Giving Characters Personalities Via Sound Design Vol 2

Giving Characters Personalities that Evolve Via Sound Design

Installment Number Two
In last month’s blog I included a little over twenty examples of films that use a character’s changing perception of a sound to reflect a change in the character’s personality, state of mind, or attitude; and below are about twenty more. Being aware of examples like this can be extremely useful when discussing sound design with director clients and other collaborators. These date from the early 1980s all the way back to the 1920s.

"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) - T.E. Lawrence's Perception of Desert Sounds
T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) experiences the vast silence and subtle sounds of the desert. Initially, the desert's quietness is overwhelming and alien to him. As he immerses himself in Arab culture and embraces his role in their struggle, the subtle sounds—the shifting sands, distant calls—become a source of comfort and connection. This shift in perception reflects his transformation from a British outsider to a leader who identifies deeply with the people and landscape, highlighting his complex identity and personal journey.

Shift in sound perception reflects the personal journey of Lawrence of Arabia

"High Noon" (1952) - Marshal Will Kane's Perception of the Ticking Clock
Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) awaits the arrival of a vengeful outlaw on the noon train. The ticking of the clock is a persistent sound effect throughout the film. Initially, the ticking is a distant reminder of the approaching confrontation. As the hour draws nearer and Kane finds himself alone, abandoned by the townspeople, the ticking grows louder in his mind, symbolizing his isolation and the relentless passage of time. This change underscores his courage and determination to face danger alone, reflecting his steadfast moral code.

"Rear Window" (1954) - L.B. Jefferies's Perception of Neighborhood Sounds
Photographer L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies (James Stewart) is confined to his apartment with a broken leg. At first, the ambient sounds of his neighbors—their conversations, music, and daily activities—are merely background noise that he observes out of boredom. As he suspects one neighbor of murder, these sounds become significant and sinister, each noise potentially a clue or evidence. The shift in his perception reflects his growing obsession with solving the mystery, highlighting his transition from passive observer to active participant in his neighbors' lives.

"The Birds" (1963) - Melanie Daniels's Perception of Bird Sounds
Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) initially hears birds chirping as a normal, even pleasant, part of the coastal town's ambiance. As unexplained bird attacks begin, the same sounds become threatening and foreboding. The rustling of wings and cawing grows ominous, signaling imminent danger. Melanie's changing perception reflects her transition from a carefree socialite to someone grappling with inexplicable natural forces, revealing her resilience and adaptability in the face of terror.

Changing perception of sound reflects the transition of Melanie from carefree socialite to grappling with terror

"Metropolis" (1927) - Freder's Perception of the Machine Sounds
Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) initially perceives the mechanical sounds of the city's machines as a normal backdrop to his privileged life. After witnessing the harsh conditions of the workers, the relentless clanking and grinding noises become oppressive and distressing to him. This shift in perception reflects Freder's awakening to social injustice and his growing empathy, marking his transformation from indifference to activism. These industrial sound effects were performed by members of an orchestra playing live during each film screening, since synchronous sound did not exist in 1927.

"Psycho" (1960) - Marion Crane's Reaction to the Shower Water
Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) initially finds the sound of the shower water soothing, symbolizing her attempt to cleanse herself of guilt after stealing money. As the infamous shower scene unfolds, the sound of the water mingles with the violent attack, transforming the once calming noise into one associated with terror and vulnerability. This change highlights her sudden shift from control to victimhood.

"12 Angry Men" (1957) - Juror 8's Perception of the Passing El Train Sounds
Juror 8 (Henry Fonda) brings attention to the loud sound of a passing el train, which would have prevented a witness from hearing a crucial event. Initially, the sound is just part of the urban environment. As the jurors reenact testimonies, the train's noise becomes a pivotal element in uncovering the truth, reflecting Juror 8's growing determination to seek justice and challenge assumptions.

"Alien" (1979) - Ripley's Interaction with the Ship's Alarms
Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) perceives the ship's ambient sounds and alarms as routine. When the alien threat emerges, these sounds become harbingers of danger. The blaring alarms heighten her senses and survival instincts. This shift reflects Ripley's evolution from a by-the-book officer to a resourceful survivor, showcasing her adaptability and resilience.

"The Shining" (1980) - Danny's Perception of the Overlook Hotel's Sounds
Young Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd) roams the Overlook Hotel, initially intrigued by its sounds—the humming elevators, distant voices, and echoing hallways. As supernatural events intensify, these sounds become ominous and threatening. The change mirrors Danny's growing awareness of the hotel's malevolent forces and his own psychic abilities, deepening his fear and caution.

"The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) - Colonel Nicholson's Reaction to Construction Sounds
Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) hears the sounds of bridge construction as a testament to his men's discipline and engineering prowess. Initially, the hammering and sawing are sources of pride. As he becomes obsessively attached to the project, the same sounds signify his loss of objectivity and alignment with the enemy, highlighting his internal conflict and eventual realization of misplaced priorities.

"The Graduate" (1967) - Benjamin's Experience with Scuba Diving Sounds
Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) receives a scuba suit as a gift. When submerged, the muffled sounds of the outside world intensify his feelings of isolation and suffocation. Initially a novelty, the underwater sounds become symbolic of his disconnect from societal expectations, reflecting his internal struggle and desire to break free from imposed paths.

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977) - Roy Neary's Interaction with Electronic Hum
Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) experiences strange electronic hums and tones after an encounter with a UFO. Initially unsettling, these sounds become an obsession, driving him to seek answers. The shift from fear to fascination reflects his transformation from an ordinary man to someone consumed by a quest for understanding, altering his relationships and priorities.

"The Exorcist" (1973) - Regan's Reaction to House Noises
Young Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) hears scratching and thumping noises in the attic, initially dismissed as rats. As her possession intensifies, these sounds become more violent and pervasive. The change in perception underscores her loss of innocence and the growing supernatural influence over her, highlighting the family's escalating fear and desperation.

"The Deer Hunter" (1978) - Michael's Perception of Russian Roulette Clicks
Michael (Robert De Niro) endures the harrowing sound of the revolver's empty clicks during forced games of Russian roulette. Initially a symbol of survival in captivity, the clicks haunt him upon returning home. The sound triggers traumatic memories, reflecting his inability to reintegrate into civilian life and the lasting impact of war on his psyche.

"Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) - Ted Kramer's Interaction with Kitchen Sounds
Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is unaccustomed to domestic tasks after his wife leaves. The clattering of dishes and kitchen mishaps initially represent his incompetence and frustration. As he learns to care for his son, these sounds become part of a comforting routine, reflecting his growth into a nurturing father and his shift in priorities from career to family.

"Blade Runner" (1982) - Rick Deckard's Perception of City Ambience
Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) navigates a dystopian city filled with constant rain and mechanical noises. Initially, the ambient sounds signify a bleak and impersonal environment. As he develops empathy for replicants, especially Rachael, the same sounds take on a melancholic beauty, reflecting his internal conflict about identity and humanity.

Raging Bull" (1980) - Jake LaMotta's Experience with Crowd Noise
Boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro) hears the roaring crowd as a measure of his success and dominance in the ring. Over time, as his personal life deteriorates, the crowd's cheers become hollow and distant. The changing perception of this sound mirrors his isolation and self-destructive tendencies, emphasizing the cost of his aggression on his relationships and self-worth.

"Eraserhead" (1977) - Henry Spencer's Perception of Industrial Sounds
Henry (Jack Nance) lives in a nightmarish industrial landscape where mechanical noises permeate his environment. Initially, these sounds are part of his mundane existence. As surreal events unfold, the noises become more oppressive and anxiety-inducing, reflecting his deepening fears and inability to cope with his new responsibilities, such as fatherhood.

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) - Butch's Reaction to Train Sounds
Butch (Paul Newman) and Sundance (Robert Redford) hear the distant sounds of a train approaching during a planned robbery. Initially, the sounds signal opportunity and excitement. As they become pursued by a relentless posse, the train's whistle transforms into a symbol of impending danger and the encroachment of modernity, reflecting their fading era and Butch's recognition of inevitable change.

"The French Connection" (1971) - Popeye Doyle's Perception of Subway Sounds
Detective Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) engages in a tense stakeout and chase involving the subway. The screeching of train wheels and the clattering tracks intensify his focus and determination. As the case wears on, these sounds become synonymous with his obsessive pursuit, reflecting his relentless nature and blurring the line between dedication and compulsion.

"On the Waterfront" (1954) - Terry Malloy's Reaction to Ship Horns
Malloy (Marlon Brando) hears the constant blare of ship horns at the docks. Initially, the sounds are part of his everyday life as a dockworker involved with corrupt union bosses. After confronting his conscience, the horns become a call to action, symbolizing his awakening sense of justice and courage to stand against corruption, marking his moral evolution.