HW 2c - Sound in Film Openings

Inception.

Dialogue: The dialogue in Inception gives the audience the background story of the 'dream world' and Cobb's (Leonardo DiCaprio's character) situation prior to future events soon to be seen by the audience. As the narrative is very complex dialogue is used as an explanation, an example of this is the non-diegetic voice over by Leonardo DiCaprio, whilst introducing all of the main characters.

Sound effects: The only sound effects featured are during the scenes where the 'dream' is collapsing and the rebels are attacking the premises where Cobb is in the dream state. This is very effective in creating suspense very early on into the film, setting the tone for the genre of the film and the future narrative. The Juxtaposition between Cobb sleeping, a watch ticking and an explosion at 1:53 is a perfect example of this.

Music track: The music is non-diegetic and is from the Hanz Zimmer soundtrack for inception. The same music is always played when a dream is collapsing, this again creates suspense.

Sound is used in Inception to give some context of the narrative to the audience before the film begins, to create suspense, give the audience an idea of the genre. This is a very effective opening sequence as the audience already has an idea of the narrative before main events, as the story line is very complex.