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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.
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"- 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.
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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.
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See you in the next one.
"Au revoir, Shoshanna!"