Sound Analysis: Jaws

Jaws

• The on screen diegetic sounds like the waves on the shore and the birds are meant to have a calming effect on the audience. 
• This is disrupted by the contrapuntal sound that comes in when we see the low angle shot of the woman swimming. This demands the audience's attention because it is so different to the previous shot. 
• There is a non-diegetic light harp pattern which keeps the calming ocean effect but also destroys it because of its persistence and because it is paired with a low menacing bass. The two sounds put together could be unsettling for the audience because they aren't certain that the environment is safe and serene any more.
• The bass and harp being played could also be classed as a Foley track because it helps the audience visualise the movement of the shark; rising slowly and smoothly but also determined.
• The low bass strings are repetitive which help to build tension and makes the audience aware of the presence of danger. The effect on the audience is to make them anxious and anticipatory.
• The sound of the birds and waves on the shore disappear after the introduction of the strings, but you can still hear the splashing of her arms while she swims. This could be to show that the shark is focused on her, or it could also be to eliminate the distractions so that the audience is centred on her.
• When she gets pulled down for the first time the strings change to a very high pitched chord. This is mostly to create a chilling atmosphere, but also to emphasise that the shark has got her.
• While she struggles to get free, the violins become more orchestral as more are added in to create layers of disturbing sound. The war created by the sound of the violins mimic the war between her and the shark.
• The shot frequently cuts between the loud chaotic noise in the water and her drunk friend on the quiet beach. This helps to compare the threat in the water and the safety on the beach. The violins are rapidly playing while the woman is shown and there is just one violin slowly playing one note while the man is shown.

This opening effectively used sound to illustrate the horror genre and the perilous situation so that the audience stays interested from the first second. I think that the way the atmosphere was created using a simple approach (a few string instruments) was something that we could mimic in our opening sequence.