Sound - Non-diegetic & diegetic

Diegetic sound:
Diegetic sound is visible on-screen, and the audience can easily depict where the source has come from. The sound may have come from something present in the action of the film. The sound is known as an 'actual sound', that can occur on-screen or off. Some examples can be:

• voices of characters
• sounds made by objects in the action of the film, e.g. lightning or a car engine

Non-diegetic sound:
The source for this type of sound is not visible on-screen nor is it present in the action of the film. The audience can easily depict that this sound has come form something outside the film. The sound is known as 'commentary sound'. Some examples can be:

• narrator's commentary
• sound effects added for dramatic effect

Sound

Superbad:

How it works?: It enables for the audience to get into a feel good mood, as the film is a feel good comedy. Thus the audience is already in a fun mood before the film has started. Therefore, it depicts the genre of the film as comedy. The sound is non-diegetic, as it is a soundtrack nothing to do with the scene. It has been added for dramatic effect, to try and make the audience laugh.
How it made me feel?: It put me in a good mood, ready for the film. I was able to quickly recognise that the film's genre was comedy, having not watched any of the film. It made me want to carry on watching the film, and this was due to the upbeat soundtrack, that was able to put me in a good mood. I would like to incorporate a soundtrack that will help my audience, want to carry on watching my film.

Sound

Se7en:

How it works?: It creates a huge amount of tension, and depicts the film's genre as a thriller/horror. It is unusual suggesting that maybe a character in the film is too. It jumps a lot, suggesting that the films genre is thriller/horror, and a character maybe be mad. The sound is non-diegetic as it has been added for dramatic effect, and is not from something present in the scene.
How it made me feel?: It made me feel creeped out. I was able to recognise the genre, through the music, yet it made me feel uncomfortable. The sound was unique, and I wouldn't mind adding a unique track to my film.

Sound

Reservoir Dogs:

How it works?: The sound creates tension, yet introduces the characters. It gives a persona to each character, and adds to the pace of the film. The music is cool, calm and collective, just like the characters are. It also helps set the scene. The sound is non-diegetic as it isn't natural, and has been added to create dramatic effect. This works well as it creates tension and characterises the main protagonists.
How it made me feel?: It makes me want to continue watching the film. It creates a good feeling, a sense of coolness amongst the characters. It does create tension, as it made me wonder what will happen next.