The use of sound in Romeo & Juliet (1996)

There are three types of sound that can be used in a film: dialogue; sound effects and music. As well as this, these sounds can also be classified as diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound. I shall be analysing the sound used in the 1996 version of Romeo and Juliet directed by Baz Luhrmann

Non-diegetic sound is the sound that has been put into the film, e.g. background music or voice overs
Diegetic sound is the sound that is naturally occurring, e.g. the sound of the wind or foot steps


Sound Effects - there are many sound effects that have been used in this opening sequence to emphasise certain movements and actions. The sound effects used were:

• the screeching of wheels when cars were braking or pulling away
• the revving of car engines
• the tapping of Tybalt's metal heeled shoes
• gun shots
• the sound of the gun hitting the floor
• the screech from the gas station sign blowing in the wind

Most of these sound effects are diegetic as they would occur naturally in the scene, however, some of these sounds have been emphasised to make them stand out to the audience. For example, the movement of their guns in the wind, the match hitting the floor and the movement of their shirts to reveal their guns.
As the gas station scene was filmed next to a busy motorway much of the background noise has been cutout or the sound levels are reduced, although you can occasionally hear a vehicle driving past in the background.


Dialogue - the dialogue used in this opening sequence helps to build character and gives them more of a personality as we begin to understand what these men are like. The dialogue also helps us to gain information about what is happening in the film and it also helps with explaining some of the actions of the characters. For example, when one of the Montague boys bites their thumb at the Capulet's, we understand that this is a rude and hurtful gesture because the dialogue tells us this and helps us to understand this situation. Dialogue also helps to establish a ranking between the characters as we hear that Benvolio is referred to as a "kings man" by the other Montague boys. So in general, dialogue helps to establish story and character.


Music - the music that is played at the opening of the film where we see the Montague boys driving down the motorway is a rebellious and energetic song; which emphasises their characters as well as establishing their position in the story. When music is faded it helps to build tension and when scenes have no music at all it helps to emphasise the importance of what is going on and helps the audience to concentrate on any action or dialogue.  After the Montagues and the Capulets have seen each other at the gas station there is a short stare down between the tow groups. In this scene there is serious music playing which implies that something interesting is going to happen. After the stare down the two groups of men jump back into their cars and drive off. At this point the music is very loud and upbeat, showing the importance of the scene so you don't miss it, as well as building suspense.