Technical Codes In-Depth : Sound

Sound is extremely important in creating atmosphere and flowing the story in a film. Sound may be diagetic, where it is included in the context of the film, or non-diagetic, where it is separate from the film.

Diagetic sound is things like atmospheric noises such as birds tweeting and leaves rustling. This is used to create immersion for the audience.

Non-Diagetic sound is things like voice-overs and background music. It can also be used to create atmosphere, but it can also be used to create contrast.

In the first scene, we are shown how Maude is unable to come out to Sue and express her feelings towards her. The voice over references how 'beautiful' Sue looks and goes on to consider Maude's dilemma about Sue. the fact that there is a voice over indicates that there are things she can't say out loud due to fear of hurting herself, Sue or both of them. Another way that sound represents sexuality is when Maude and Sue are next to each other in the bed and the music becomes more sorrowful. This could be interpreted as Maude wanting to tread carefully and take things slow, but it could also be used to invoke sympathy for the character