Written Analysis: Sound

Jessabelle Trailer Analysis - Sound

The first sound heard by the audience is the sound of a non diegetic phone ringing, which then becomes diegetic. It’s quickly layered with some atmospheric bass and suspenseful sound effect. This gives the viewer the impression that the phone call is the start of a sequence of bad events. This is supported by the protagonist saying “dad?” in a concerned tone of voice, which already tells the audience the trailer is for a serious, unhappy film and not for a happy film like a comedy.

When the logo shot appears, sorrowful non diegetic piano music is played, telling the audience a bad event has happened, most likely to the protagonist. The fact there is only one instrument playing represents the protagonist’s isolation throughout the film and also tells the viewer she may have lost someone close to her. This is confirmed by the protagonist’s dad saying “sorry about your boyfriend” in a sincere tone, followed by the diegetic sound of a car crash. This sound effect is unpleasant as coupled with the shot from inside the car as the collision happens, it immerses the viewer into the narrative. This helps the viewer sympathise with the protagonist as it almost puts the viewer in the protagonist’s place during the terrifying ordeal.

The crash sound effect also forms a sound bridge to the title shot. The audience then hears non diegetic vocal music with drum beats. This is atmospheric and adds a whole new dimension to the trailer as its dramatic sound is not usually heard. This hints to the viewer that something is off and creates unease and tension. As the father is talking about the protagonist’s mother, it suggests something was different about the mother and as the music is still quite sorrowful, could hint that something bad happened to the mother.

As the protagonist discovers a box under her bed, a lot of non diegetic tense music is heard, coupled with low bass and suspenseful sound effects. This immediately tells the viewer that something is wrong and it is a bad idea for the protagonist to explore the contents of the box. This also builds tension and creates an uneasy, nervous atmosphere that sets the audience on edge. Additionally, the low bass is a common convention of the horror genre as it effectively builds tension and is hard to overuse.

Throughout the trailer, when the protagonist’s actions are significant to the narrative, some kind of non diegetic sound effect is heard, usually low bass or a suspenseful sound effect. This highlights the significance of the protagonist’s actions and draws the viewer’s attention to the action, as well as building tension and suspense in the narrative.

When the protagonist views the video tapes that were hidden in the box, the diegetic sound effect of static is heard. However, the static is distorted for some reason unknown to the viewer. This creates a tense atmosphere and hints to the viewer that a supernatural being is present, and that it could be the cause of the bad events in the film. It also links back to the low bass and suspenseful sound effects heard when the character first opened the box that warned the viewer the box was bad news. As the static is distorted, it suggests something paranormal is causing the distortion and the character should stay away. However, we can tell by the way the protagonist says “mom!” that she is so overwhelmed by seeing her mother again, even if it is only on screen, to notice the distortion. The distortion continues as the tape progresses and becomes more frequent, suggesting the longer the protagonist watches the tape, the stronger the supernatural presence.

In the video tape, the protagonist’s mother predicts Jessabelle’s future, including telling the protagonist she’s not alone in the house. The protagonist then hears heavy breathing and someone whispering her name repeatedly. Heavy breathing and whispering is a common convention of the horror genre as it creates a suspenseful atmosphere and sets the viewer on edge. The whispering sounds otherworldly, and coupled with the mother telling the protagonist she’s not alone, emphasises the idea of a supernatural presence in the house with Jessabelle and hints that the antagonist could be a paranormal being such as a ghost, spirit or poltergeist etc.

Further on in the trailer, a side character is shown digging up a grave. Every time his shovel strikes the ground, a contrapuntal high pitched non diegetic sound effect is heard. It unnerves the viewer, as it sounds quite bright and happy, which is the complete polar opposite of the current situation at that point in the trailer. However, the sound effect does have an echo, which makes it sound ethereal and ghostly.

As the trailer intensifies, both diegetic sounds and non diegetic sounds become a blur, with all the sounds blending into one long stream until it suddenly cuts to silence. However, the diegetic sounds of a woman’s screams stand out as they are loud and significant. Women’s screams are a common convention of the horror genre due to their distinct sound, and they have become something of an icon in the horror genre. The cut to silence is also a common convention of the horror genre as it is really effective for building tension and suspense in trailers before a ‘big finale’.
From my sound analysis, I have learnt that sound in horror trailers is usually simple but effective. With the right balance, the desired effect of drama, suspense and tension is created simply and easily. I have also learnt what the sound in my trailer needs to be like. 

From my sound analysis, I have learnt that sound is a very important element in the horror genre as it has to be spot on to create a spooky atmosphere. Used properly, creepy sound effects can make almost anything scary, and are really effective in influencing the atmosphere of the trailer. Additionally, sound can also dictate the pace of the trailler/scene, which helps increase tension and audience immersion.