♪ ♪
Violence is a staple of Quentin
Tarantino's filmography.
Some consider it controversial.
"- Why the need for so much
gruesome graphic violence?
- Why not let us know...
- Because it's so much fun, Chan. Get it."
That most of the violence in his films
is presented as exciting and fun.
But his knack for
making violence fun...
...doesn't mean he can't
make violence brutal
and upsetting as well.
Tarantino presents both
cathartic and upsetting violence
with an array of techniques.
One of the biggest factors in
how we perceive his violence
is also the least discussed.
So today we're looking at...
The Sounds of Quentin
Tarantino's Violence.
"- Very funny!"
♪ Director's Playbook Intro ♪
Sound design is typically used
to match and reinforce tone.
On one end of the spectrum,
we have something like
"Saving Private Ryan".
Authenticity and realism
are clearly a priority.
On the other end
of the spectrum,
you have things
like "Looney Tunes".
Where realism is
clearly a low priority.
But a film doesn't have to be
confined to one extreme or the other.
Both ends of the spectrum can actually
co-exist within a single film.
♪ ♪
"- I couldn't resist."
Quentin Tarantino sound design
frequently bounces back and forth
between these extremes.
Let's take a look or
listen at "Kill Bill".
On the realistic end of
the sound design spectrum,
we have moments like when
the Bride is executed.
"- Bill...
It's your baby."
When she's buried alive.
Or when she's under the
cruel tutelage of Pai Mei.
On the other end
of the spectrum,
we have exaggerated
sound effects.
Like this fight
with the Crazy 88.
The hyper-exaggerated
sound cue for jumping.
The bowling pins.
The diving board.
Or even this bamboo shoot.
It all comes down to the
intent of the moment.
There are two main kinds of
violence in Tarantino films.
Fun, cathartic violence.
And dark, upsetting violence.
Violent scenes in
Tarantino films
use different shooting
and editing styles
coupled with careful
sound design.
"- Be careful,
my right arm's broken."
Fun violence is often accompanied
by heightened sound design.
While the sounds of
upsetting violence
are always thoroughly grounded.
Which type of sound design
is an immediate indicator
as to the intent
behind the scene.
When the Bride is hurt,
it sounds like this.
But when her enemy is
hurt by the same weapon,
it sounds like this.
In this instance,
the sound design is informing
how we react to the
moment as an audience.
The heightened sound design
reinforces the catharsis
of seeing an antagonist
get their comeuppance.
♪ ♪
The next time you're
working on a project
with varying tones and
styles of the violence,
consider bringing sound
design to the forefront
of your decision-making process.
"- You got something to
say, mate, you say it."
Look for the key moments to
enhance in your script breakdown.
Tag it.
Embed sound effects.
Just do it with intent.
In our blog post,
we dive deeper in sound
design strategies,
so be sure to check out the
link in the description.
What are some of your favorite sound
design choices in Tarantino films?
Tell us in the comments.
Or even better, drop us a link.
So remember,
cinematic violence isn't fun.
But it sure can be.
To stay in the loop,
subscribe and enable notifications.
See you in the next one.
"Au revoir, Shoshanna!"
