Sound makes a difference to the film viewing experience
16.09.2014
Watching a film is an all-encompassing experience in which sound plays a larger role than we realise, according to the findings of the first doctoral research in the field of sound design.
Aalto University student Päivi Takala, who defends her thesis in September, claims that the traditional method of describing sound as an emotion-evoking or sub-conscious element doesn't do justice to the way sound is part of the formation of meaning during the film watching experience. Having worked as a film director, a composer, and a sound engineer, Ms Takala challenges film makers and viewers to consider the meaning of the film soundtrack in a new way.
– A film should be treated as a sensory and all-encompassing experience, which is received through all the senses. Sound can express feelings and sub-conscious meanings, but so can all the other elements of a film, Ms Takala explained.
By sensory is meant the idea that people essentially understand the world and construct meaning through their bodies and senses.
– Traditionally Film theory and the teaching in the field stresses the narrative structure and visual nature of films. The significance of sound is raised when the film's world is opened up to the viewer (and listener) as an all-encompassing sense experience.
Film makers' thoughts and artistic works
Päivi Takala explains in her dissertation how questions of sound have been approached by film makers and sound engineers. She examined the thoughts about film and sound of film makers such as David Lynch, Walter Murch, Michel Chion and the Dardenne brothers, looking through the lens of sensuality and the new theoretical dimension that this opens up.
Three artistic works are also part of the doctoral dissertation: Documentary film ‘Special Cases’, dance film ‘Taking a Deep Breath’, and an audio-visual installation ‘Helsinki's most beautiful sound’.
– Through these artistic works I examined from different angles the concept of sensuality and worked out how the theory opened up by this concept can be made use of in a way that helps understanding of the role of sound in the making and experiencing of a film, Ms Takala explained.
– In the dance film that I directed, the experimental working methods used, such as combining movement with the cutting, editing, and composing work, helped make concrete the concept of sensuality by allowing the viewer to experience it in an all-encompassing way, both visibly and audibly.
Ms Takala's doctoral research offers new viewpoints on the making of film soundtracks and pedagogical developments in the field.
Public examination of the doctoral dissertation
The public examination of the doctoral dissertation "Äänen tunto. Elokuvaäänen kokemuksellisuudesta” will take place in Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture on Friday 19 September 2014 at 12:00 in the Sampo hall in the Lume Media Centre, Hämeentie 135 C, Helsinki. Acting as opponent will be Taina Riikonen, Ph.D. Orders for the doctoral dissertation can be made through the Aalto University online store at shop.aalto.fi, enquiries to artsbooks [at] aalto [dot] fi, tel. 050 313 7086.
Further information:
Päivi Takala
tel. 050 569 1069
paivi.takala-gould [at] aalto [dot] fi
Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture