Sound Analysis: Gone With the Wind
In the classic film, Gone With the Wind, sound plays an important role and it is generally true that at critical moments in the film (e.g., the burning of Atlanta, Scarlett's venture into the radish patch) the sound increases in terms of loudness and, at other times (e.g., Prissy's fears of Scarlett when Melanie is giving birth) in pitch. Modifications of the sound levels are used to highlight emotional or significant moments.
Music swells at critical moments such as that when Scarlett, having vomited in the radish patch, raises her fist to the heavens and swears that she will never be hungry again (Dirks, 2). Sound is filtered occasionally as when Scarlett, having been rejected by Ashley, confronts Rhett Butler while a dance orchestra plays in the background. Sound is also filtered when Scarlett wanders through the makeshift Confederate hospital to find a physician for Melanie.
Audio levels descend when Scarlett lies panting in the mud and increase when she is depicted in red as when she enters Melanie's house after the scene with Ashley in the mill. Additionally, audio levels increase when red scenes (e.g., the burning of Atlanta, Rhett's kiss when he abandons Scarlett on the road) occur and decrease in moments of gray sadness (as they bury Mr. O'Hara). In essence, sound manipulations are vital to establishing mood, tension, and emotionality throughout this great film.
Dirks, Tim. "Review: Gone With the Wind. 1996-2005.
Available at www.filmsite.org/gone3.html.
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