Star Wars The Force Awakens Trailer #3: Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sound

Definitons

Diegetic Sound: This is when the source of the sound is visible on the screen, or is implied to be present by the action of the film. Examples of this form of sound include: voices of characters, and sounds made by the objects in the scene.

Non-Diegetic Sound: This is when the source of the sound is not visible in the scene or the sound has not been implied to be present in the action. This can include: the narrators commentary, sound effects which have been added for dramatic effect, or any music, theme tune, or orchestra that has been added, while the movie is in the editing process.

Examples Of Diegetic Sound

Example 1

Throughout the trailer, there are multiple previews of an undergoing spaceships battle. In these small scenes, we hear the memorable sound of what is referred to as a 'star wars blaster'. This sounds creates an atmosphere of violence, and also tells us that there is a violent battle going on in this scene. The rapid pace the single note is being played, creates a sense of hectic and panic, as the it sounds like the weapons are being fired aimlessly.

                                                                                     Example 2

 For a small part of the trailer, we see a lightsaber clash with something on the ground, the diegetic sound is that the lightsaber makes when the lightsaber makes impact with whatever its aiming at. When we hear this sound, we instantly think of a lightsaber, as it is a recognisable a memorable sound. As soon as we here this sound, we think of danger, violence and death. This automatically creates an atmosphere                                                                                       of violence and death,

Example 3

Another example of Diegetic sound is when the sith-lord says 'I will finish what he started' This creates a very dramatic atmosphere, and makes the viewer think, what is he finishing, how is he going to finish it, and what did the predecessor start?

Examples Of Non-Diegetic Sound

Example 1

At the start of the trailer, the music is just a single piano note, changing pitch whenever a different camera shot or angle is used. This creates tension, as the continuously pitch-changing note, adds suspense to the scene, which makes the viewer ask questions such as: who is the masked figure and what is he/she looking for?

Example 2

 Coming to the end of the trailer, the music massively picks up, and become a lot more dramatic, and related to star wars, which is a lot of action, and a very fast paced feeling. It makes us feel excited, and adds to the anticipation of the film. 

Example 3

 Throughout the first part of the trailer, the narrator (who presumably is the main character) is discussing what he is trying to do, what is he aiming for. We are able to understand what his views are, and that he has been trained to do only one thing, however he wants to change his ways, and help the universe.