Sound And Music: Hollyoaks

How is sound and music used to effect in this excerpt of 'Hollyoaks'?

In this short excerpt of 'Hollyoaks', a number of sound and music techniques are executed to dictate pace and emphasize the mood of the scene. The initial digetic sounds of leaves rustling and water splashing are amplified to give greater effect to the sense of danger surrounding the forest. The sense of fear and danger are further emphasized by the amplifying of dialogue, as 'Max' shouts out for his younger brother 'Tom'. The technique of digetic sound increases the tension of the excerpt and builds subtle momentum to the scenes pace.

As the character of 'Max' dives into the water an amplified splash is heard before the ambience is cut to purely the bubbling sounds of underwater. This technique is the equivalent of a 'Point of View' shot, it places the audience in the position of the troubled character and alarms viewers as the peaceful ambience is diverted to a frantic atmosphere.

Non-digetic sounds such as trumpets are also used to good effect in this excerpt, for example after each dangerous revelation the short, sharp sound of strings and trumpets. This use of irregular sounds alarms the audience of the immediate threat facing 'Max'. Momentum is further built, as the non-digetic sounds increase in pace and noise, this factor creates a tension build up that would not of been possible without these added effects.

The matter of the sound and music being synchronous throughout, is absolutely necessary to maintain the atmosphere of the excerpt, a brief irregular moment of sound would spoil the entire mood of the scene. Whilst 'Max' battles to stay a float the music remains at a fast tempo and mood, but as the character appears to give up trying the ambience is cut once again leaving a slow calming score to replace it. Sound motifs are also used to great effect in this scene, as every time the character of 'Claire' is presented, a harrowing score of low pitched strings proceed. This sound motif establishes the representation of 'Claire' as a villain, with no prior knowledge of the character the motif allows the audience to assume a negative portrayal.