Snow Whte Essay, Research Paper

Sound is a very important element in the creation of movies. Without sound, many people (the viewers) would not be able enjoy the full effect of watching movies on the big screen. For example, sound creates and sends messages or sensations that a viewer would usually not be able to feel from just watching the film. Also, sound allows us to receive a better understanding of a character s mood, tone, and or feeling.

In Disney s first fully animated motion picture Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the connection between sound and animation is magnificent and before its time. The first scene in the movie where the viewer may see this, is in the beginning. Snow White is looking inside a well while singing and the echo of her voice reverberates off of the water and back to her. The synchronization of the ripples and echo is perfect and the fluidity of Snow White s movement is graceful and elegant.

Sound is also used to distinguish between different characters or occurrences in the film. Every time the evil queen enters the scene the music suddenly turns dark and heart-wrenching. This happens especially when she creates the potion to age her appearance, and when she unexpectedly appears in the window of the cottage. Two other scenes where this is noticeable are when Snow White runs into the forest, and when the dwarfs are chasing the evil queen. At both times the music is quick and full of excitement.

The music in this movie is aesthetically pleasing to both the mind and the ears. One scene that is very appealing is when the dwarfs are all sleeping, and the viewer gets to hear every snore and movement of each of the characters. Another intriguing part of the movie is when the queen is mixing her brew; it is very interesting how every drop, lightening bolt, or spray is a different sound. The scene towards the end of the movie where the dwarfs are chasing the queen is another exciting scene because the music is very dramatic and fast.

Silence does not play much of a role in Snow White. It vaguely plays an appearance during the funeral, however, only for a matter of seconds. It is then drowned out by the grim sounds of funeral music. Silence would be disturbing in this film as it would not fit with the movement of the characters, and happy tone of many of the scenes.

So as one can see sound is just as important as imagery in a film because it helps one understand the movie on a different level, realize other aspects of a scene, and differentiate between characters.