Sound in Thrillers - Pulp Fiction

Sound is also used in thrillers to help to make it thrilling and create suspense for the audience.
There is either non-diegetic sound or diegetic. Non-diegetic is sound which has been added after in the editing process. For example, music may be added into a thriller to help create suspense. Diegetic sound is the noise which comes from the scene and is not added or edited in after, for example actors voices.Synchronous sound is also used which is where the sound is synchronised with the object emitting the sound. This help to create tension for the audience viewing the film during an important scene.

The soundtrack in Pulp Fiction is synchronous. The music fits with what is happening in the scene at the time, helps to create the atmosphere in the scene, and emphasising tension, humor and suspense when appropriate. Apart from the soundtrack which is the main non-diegetic sound in the film, there is gunshots and other sound effects.There is silence used at time throughout Pulp Fiction which creates again tension but also a sense of mystery. It gives the audience an uneasy feeling and keeps them hooked on the film as they are wondering what is going to happen next. Once the silence has been broke the scene tends to be pivotal to the film and for the audiences understanding of the storyline.

This sound is typical of the thriller genre as it helps to create tension and suspense which is what is aimed to be achieved with films in the thriller genre. The soundtrack is typical as it helps to create an atmosphere and the extra added non-diegetic sound such as gunshot which make it typical of the genre.


Soundtrack for Pulp Fiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4cLmXml8O0


Sound in Thrillers

Some of the sound features which appear in thrillers are:
- Music
-Sound Effects
-Diegetic Sound
- Non-Diegetic Sound
-Noise
-Pitch
-Added effects - Heartbeat

Asynchronous is sound which is opposite the mood which is in the scene
Synchronous is sound which is in sync with the mood which is relevant to what is going on in the scene. It's also diegetic sound.

What makes a good thriller soundtrack?
Suspense
Tension/ the building on tension
Mixing of pitch
Dramatic
Crescendo
Instruments
Out of tune instruments
Change of pace
Enhances the emotion of the scene
Lots of contrast
The music tends to be in a minor key
Strings (high pitched)
Creates a sense of enigma - sense of mystery