Analyzing Audio (Monday)

Analyzing Audio

Directions:

For this assignment, you are to analyze the audio of a clip from some of my favorite horror movies. Close your eyes (or minimize the window) and listen to the clip; do not watch it. As you listen, identify and write down the different sounds you're hearing and think about what function they serve, what feelings they evoke in you, how they are sequenced together, and so on. Share what you've heard with your group and answer the questions from Part One. Then watch the trailer. You'll hear the sounds, see the sequences of images, and perhaps begin to note how they fit together. After watching the trailer, answer the questions from Part Two with your group. Only one person per group needs to submit your responses when you are completed. Be prepared to share your analysis with the class.

Movie Clips and Groups

Breakout Group 1 - Annihilation clip Links to an external site.

Breakout Group 2 - The Thing clip Links to an external site.

Breakout Group 3 - Killer Klowns from Outer Space clip Links to an external site.

Breakout Group 4 - Birdemic: Shock and Terror trailer Links to an external site.

Breakout Group 5 - A Quiet Place clip Links to an external site.

Part One (answer BEFORE you WATCH the clip):

1. Who is in your group?
2. Which film clip did you watch (from what movie)?
3. Describe the actions of the sounds you heard. What do you think is going on (share a few perspectives from different group members)?
4. How would you describe the sounds you heard (loud/quiet, high/low pitch, fast/slow, etc.)
5. What is the purpose of the sound? Does it provide any atmosphere? If so, what kind?
6. How do the sounds work together to convey a message/narrative? How do you interpret that message/narrative?
7. How did you come up with your assumptions? What sounds stood out to you?
8. How similar are your analyses? How different are they? Why do you think this is the case?

Part Two (answer AFTER you WATCH the clip):

1. How "right" were you about your assumptions of the visuals of the clip? Explain. Why do you think you were so close/so far from the reality of the visuals of the clip?
2. How did the sound impact you differently when it was accompanied with other modes of communication?
3. What different meanings were you able to identify with the images alongside the audio?
4. How do the sounds and the images work together to convey a message/narrative?
5. Do different sounds stand out more when paired with the visuals? Why or why not?
6. What changed about your thoughts on the audio when paired with the visuals? Why?
7. What does this all mean about the importance/impact of the aural mode of communication? How can you use this knowledge to strengthen your audio narrative?