I have chosen this particular scene from Terminator Salvation, primarily due to the various aspects of intertwining CGI editing (Computer-Generated Imagery) and sound incorporated using a Synthesizer Korg to form the sounds the Harvester makes to establish an environment of realism.
Music, Dialogue & SFX:
The music illustrated in this particular scene adds dramatic substance but also accentuates subtle suspense to keep the dialogue and music levels compatible and comfortable. The music in this scene from 0:50 - 1:20 conveys the tenuous input of the role the music plays, because it seems the Director had intended on using the music in this manner so that the soundtrack doesn't dominate the sound of the scene, so that the dialogue can be recognised without being overshadowed. After the big explosion, from 0:40 - 0:46, there is a brief aura of relief and safety because the sound levels have dropped due to the lack of action occurring in the scene, until the Harvester emerges from the flames with the soundtrack cueing in at 0-57 which could be seen as the climax of the scene, inevitably due to the dip and sudden rise of sound levels. The SFX such as the truck's engine, the Harvester's dialogue, heavy machinery and explosions also evoke an industrial type environment. Other SFX such as The Doppler Effect are incorporated when the truck is escaping and the bikes are chasing them, to add further realism to the chase scene and to coincide with the added dramatic music. The dialogue from 0:20 onwards aren't necessarily integral, primarily due to the visual intake we perceive as the action ensues. Initially, I thought that the timing of the music cueing in when the Harvester emerges from the flames was the perfect impression of the escalated action and suspense.
Listed Foley & SFX:
- Gunshot From a Mossberg Pump-Action Shotgun - 0:00
- Bullet-On-Metal Contact - 0:00
- Synthesizer Korg (Used To Create Harvester Sound) - 0:01
- Reloading of Mossberg Pump-Action Shotgun - 0:01
- Oil Leakage Splashing On The Ground - 0:04
- Truck's Engine and Gearbox Shifting - 0:07
- Tire Skid - 0:08
- Harvester Footsteps - 0:13
- Lighting of Flare - 0:18
- Igniting of Gas/Petrol Trail - 0:20
- Lorry Tipped Over - 0:23
- Harvester's Lock-On (Laser Sound) - 0:28
- Big Explosion (Echoed) - 0:29
- The Doppler Effect - 0:34
- Beam Fired by Harvester to Blow Up Car Ahead - 0:46
- Motorbike Revving and Gear-Shifting - 0:58
- Bullet Ricochet - 1:14
- Truck Crashing Car Out of the Way - 1:17
- Motorbike's Analysing System - 1:19
I, Robot - U.S.R Car Chase Scene
I have chosen this scene from the film 'I, Robot' predominantly due to the vast array of various different sounds that are present in this scene which collaborate to form an impression of a quiet mysterious scenario escalating into a full-throttle high-way car chase, which the soundtrack is accountable for.
Music, Dialogue & SFX:
In this particularly interesting scene from the film 'I, Robot', our first impressions coincide with the mysterious music being played from the beginning of scene. From my perspective, I think that the music being played in the background replicates the sound of a human heartbeat, which then gathers pace when the CEO of U.S.R (U.S. Robotics Corporation) begins to learn that Detective Spooner is accessing confidential files regarding the death of Dr. Alfred Lanning. Although prior to that, the Siri-like voice system in the Audi RSQ asks: "Would you like to listen to some music while you wait?", then immediately, the heartbeat-like background music recommences which would illustrate the use of non-diegetic sound. Another aspect of this scene I found intriguing were the SFX used to create the formidable sounds the U.S.R carrier vehicles exhibit when approaching Detective Spooner's car. When the first large futuristic vehicle approaches, it conveys an impression that something enormous is coming especially when watched with your eyes closed. When the second vehicle approaches, it seems as though the aerodynamically streamlined chassis of the vehicle is allowing it to pierce through the air, combined with the sounds of the motion of the wheels and the thrust of the engine. The dialogue from the robot which is first to attack and jumps on the bonnet seems as though it has had it's voice modified to sound futuristically advanced and robotic yet fit with human characteristics.
Listed Foley & SFX:
- Audi RSQ (Concept) Engine Revving - 0:02
- Closing of Document - 0:02
- Wind at High Altitude - 0:23
- Voice Programming System Echoing - 0:28
- U.S.R Carrier Vehicles Approaching - 0:53
- U.S.R Carrier Vehicle's Engine - 0:57
- U.S.R Carrier Vehicle Cutting Through The Air Due To Aerodynamically Streamlined Chassis - 1:07
- The Doppler Effect - 1:08
- U.S.R Carrier Vehicle's Wheel Motion - 1:09
- Computerised Mechanical Motion Whilst Carrier Vehicles Turn 90 Degrees - 1:17
- Steering Wheel Initialising 'Manuel Override' - 1:28
- Mechanical Opening of Carrier Door - 1:35
- Metal-On-Metal Contact - 1:48
- Robot Landing on the Audi RSQ Bonnet - 1:48
- Shattering of Glass - 1:49
- Audi RSQ Wheel Skidding - 1:51
- Bullet From Gunshot Penetrating Robotic Skeleton - 1:53
- Ricochet From Gunshot - 1:54
- Screeches From Metal Experiencing High Speed Friction (Sparks Flying) - 1:56
- Mechanical Robotic Jump - 1:57
- Jolt of Electricity - 2:17
- Audi RSQ Boosted Acceleration - 2:36
- Exploded Tire Caused By Robot Trapped Onto Carrier's Wheels - 2:44
- Knocking Over Several Traffic Cones - 3:24
- U.S.R Carrier Vehicle Crashing Into Tunnel Wall - 3:25
- Huge Explosion Resulting in Destruction of U.S.R Carrier Vehicle - 3:26
- Roar From Engulfing Flames - 3:27
- Small Shards of Glass Falling - 3:34
- Whip-Like Sounds as Audi Tangles With Wires - 3:44
- Inflating of Airbags - 3:46
- Wrecked Audi RSQ Crashed Into Concrete Wall - 3:48
- Small Pieces of Concrete Falling onto the Ground - 3:49