Bela Balazs and Sound Observations

Sounds Observations

Sitting in my living room, the loudest sound I hear is the static of the air conditioner and a whistled from the vent every now and again. Next I hear a recurring screech coming from my toilet every few seconds, which is most likely the water connected to the back of it. The fan above me is cutting the air making a chopping sound, like the worlds quietest helicopter. In the distance I hear the hum of the refrigerator. If I concentrate hard enough I can hear myself exhaling through my nose. There is a very faint electronic buzz coming from either the tv or my computer. When my roommate enters the room and takes a seat, I hear her typing on her phone, that little knocking sound effect that is default on the iPhone.

My second sound observation took place in Drift Coffee shop and Café. The major sounds are people chatting, typing, and the espresso machine with all of it’s bells and whistles. The tile floor causes many peoples shoes to occasionally squeak, especially if they are rubber. Turning my attention to the kitchen, I heard plates clinking and sometimes a sizzle from a frying pan, the coffee machines create a deep vibrating whir then a high pitched sound like the screeching of a cars tires slamming the brakes. The ceramic dishes they use clink throughout the café as people pick up and put down their cups and dishes. Their silverware chime when hitting the table or plates. The door lets in a swoosh of air and the distant dialogue happening at the outside tables.

Theory of Film: Sound

To the regular movie-goer, sound is a crucial part to a good picture. Sure we all like visual stimuli but I would love to experience a sound film. Sounds can have different meanings or be interpreted differently by different people. Image-less films would give freedom to our minds to think or imagine what they want. Activate those brain connections, make them work. But then again, I wonder if people would still consider that a film at all.  I thought it was important that Balazs incorporated the use of silence in films because it is such a powerful device and has a very important function. I recently watch A Quiet Place and absolutely loved it but my friend, who are not film studies majors, didn’t like it as much and when I asked why, they said “not enough happened”. And my analysis of that was they associate action with image and also that the silence made them uncomfortable. This probably having to do their lack of appreciation for silence in film.