Impression and Expression Sound
Impression and Expression Sounds are both used in films to portray different meanings and messages. Impression Sounds represent a ‘rea-life’ sound in a film. This use of sound design is used to create a natural setting, with the natural sounds that the viewer would expect to hear in that setting. Some examples of this might be people talking, the sound of nature, or animals. The use of Impression Sounds gives the scene a more realistic feel. On the other hand, Expression Sounds are used to imply emotions and set the mood of the scene. Expression Sounds are often pieces of music that reflect the tone of the scene. For example, for a scene which is set on a sunny day, a piece of upbeat and fast paced music might be used to complement the emotions portrayed on scene. However, if the scene involves a moment of intense action, expression sound that matches with this tone would be used. In most films, it is often the case that Impression Sounds are Diegetic, meaning both the characters and the audience can hear them, whereas, Expression Sounds are usually Non-Diegetic, meaning only the viewer can hear them. An example where this may not be the case is when a character’s voice (an Impression Sound), is used as a Narration, making it Non-Diegetic.
In this short clip from the James Bond film, Spectre, both Impression and Expression Sounds are used, at points, individually, and at others, simultaneously. As the scene begins, the overriding sound that can be heard is the tense background music that has been used to capture the viewers attention, foreshadowing the oncoming action sequence. This is an example of Expression Sound. The volume of this background music is at a high level, isolating any Impression Sounds. However, as the scene progresses, the background expression music gradually begins to lower in tone, and then lower in volume. During this gradual shift, it provides a smooth transition between the Expression and Impression Sounds. However, as the peak moment of this scene is still yet to come, the background music does not end completely, as this could imply a sudden action shift in the scene. However, the music remains at a low tone and volume as the characters begin to speak. This could also imply that the Expression Sound will increase again as the action heightens. The characters voices are an example of Impression Human Sounds. Notably, during this moment, an underlying heartbeat sound effect can be heard underneath the characters voices and the background music. This Expression Sound effect could have been used to enhance Bonds emotions during this scene. As well as his facial expressions, this use of Expression Sound has been used to build on how he is feeling. Consequently, this does not only enhance the sound design, but also allows the depth of the story to advance. As the moment of dialogue dramatically comes to an abrupt end, as does the background expression music, which is then immediately swapped for solely Impression Sounds. The Diegetic sounds of gunshots are a mechanical sound that represents physical action happening on screen. At the end of the scene, the use of both Impression and Expression sounds work simultaneously once again as the action progresses.
In this clip from the disaster film, The Day After Tomorrow, both Impression and Expression Sounds are used, at points, individually, and at others, simultaneously. As the scene begins, the prominent sound that can be heard is intense background music, giving an immediate hint at the tone of the scene. This is an example of Expression Sound, as the sound is metaphorically representing the action. It is also a Non-Diegetic sound as the characters in the sound cannot hear it. However, an Impression Sound can also be heard underlying the background music. It is clear that this is an Impression Sound as the harsh roar of the waves is a natural sound, even though this particular effect could have been created using Foley. An interesting point about the opening shot of this scene is that it is shot from an aerial view of the city, and so the sound implies that the viewer is at that great height also. This immediately introduces the severity and strength of the waves if it can be faintly heard, yet identified, from the sky. Consequently, this would mean that the volume levels of the Impression and Expression Sounds would ultimately have to ‘swap’ when the action is happening back at the level of the disruption. Therefore, when the following shot is of the action happening on earth, the Impression Sound of the wave is greatly heightened as the shot, and also the viewer, is at the level of action, so the sound would be greater. Throughout the scene, the shots return to several aerial views, meaning that the volumes of each sounds are constantly shifting. At the end of the scene, the Impression and Expression Sounds work together in enhancing the final moment of impact.
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