LISTEN

How a film elicits specific reactions from the audience and why this film achieves such effects?

 

"Listen" Theme: The term "Listen" in the title of the documentary seems to encompass more than just a word; it embodies a theme. By reducing the extent of narration, the documentary chooses to convey information through sound. Viewers are encouraged to listen, paying attention to the sounds of cars, the narratives of the workers, and the ambient sounds of the workplace.

 

Uniqueness of Car Sounds: Each vehicle possesses its distinct sound, which can correspond to the individuality and uniqueness of the workers. This diversity of sounds may reflect the diversity within the work environment and the differences between individuals.

 

Workers' Narratives: The documentary doesn't have a fixed narrator; instead, multiple workers' personal narratives form an interesting contrast and connection with the sounds of the cars. Traits like uniqueness, emotion, and history may be expressed in their narratives. As different parts of a collective whole, they engage in different collaborative tasks, each with its unique stories and experiences, much like the buses they work on. Moreover, sound is viewed as a powerful emotional tool in the film, allowing the audience to more deeply experience the emotions and atmosphere of the documentary. Through the emotional connection formed with the sounds of the cars and the narratives of the workers, viewers may become more engaged in the story of the documentary, feeling a closeness to the work environment and the workers.

 

Hope and Future: The description mentions how the lost industrial history provides hope for the future. This theme conveys a positive message, implying that even after setbacks and difficulties, there is still hope and opportunity. Such a positive message often has the power to inspire the audience and instill a sense of hope and optimism.

 

Share and explain something you learned from this film. Will you apply it to your own practice?

 

The concept and execution of sound in the film greatly intrigued me. The coordination between sound and visuals in the documentary is crucial. Learning how to adjust the volume, rhythm, and timing of sound to perfectly match the visuals enhances the audience's viewing experience. Additionally, this documentary tells part of the story through sound, not solely relying on dialogue or narration. This approach stimulates the audience's imagination and provides them with a deeper experience. Learning how to use sound to narrate a story can make a work more engaging. 

As I envisioned for the final assignment, I would try to present the story using black and white filters. The role of sound in black and white films is crucial, which means that sound needs to be used as a supplement to color to enrich the story content and create atmosphere. I'm going to do a very detailed design of the sound.