Sound task

Sound task

In the clip above, sound is used in such a way that it's able to aid the creation of a more dramatic undertone to the scene. In terms of non-diegetic sounds, the sound track leading up to the demise of the character Ricky, helps in foreshadowing the nature of the event about to take place in the scene with its 'dark' synthesisers and saxophones. The sound track after this though, helps to establish a lot more of a sadder atmosphere, again adding to the overall (dramatic) tone of the scene for viewers, although still being parallel to the visual side of the scene. When diegetic sounds are concerned though, the shouting of 'Ricky' just prior to the shot being fired is effective since its echo helps lead into the near silence that ensues. In this, all that can be heard is the giggling of children, quite contrapuntal to the visuals of the scene in particular, cars passing and dogs barking before the more jarring sound of gunshots can be heard. This is not only capable of showing how tragic and impactful the death of this specific character is but it also showcases the dire reality that existed, and in some cases still does, within African-American neighbourhoods. Not only this, but the idea is added to that amidst the gunshots and violence, life goes on almost without a pause whatsoever.