Why is sound so important in films?

The importance of sound in film
Sound is generally the key in all films, as it hooks in the viewers and keeps them engaged with the movie. Sound is used in film to establish tone, atmosphere and to help give the audience clues about the plot, characters or to identify the Genre of the film. It is also used to help to create realism for the viewer and heighten their experience of the film.

Many directors believe that without the sound you only have half the product or a film that isn't as good as it could be, also known as 'sound is 50%'.

• What is sound? 

Sound is used in a film to establish tone, atmosphere and to hand clues to the audience about the plot.

• what is a soundscape? 

It's a overall sound in a environment.

• What is sound design? 

It's a process of creating, recording and mixing of all sounds.

• What is
•  'suspending disbelief'? 

It's forgetting you're watching a film, feeling like you are there.


Diegetic sound
Sound whose source is visible on the screen or whose source is implied to be present by the action of the film:

• voices of characters 
• sounds made by objects in the story 
• music represented as coming from instruments in the story space ( = source music)

Diegetic sound is any sound presented as originated from source within the film's world

Digetic sound can be either on screen or off screen depending on whatever its source is within the frame or outside the frame. 

Non-diegetic sound

Sound is said to be non-diegetic when its source is not present or implied in the narrative 

universe. Common instances are:

• music or score, used to augment emotions
• actor’s commentary or narration
• any extra sound added for effect