by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How important is sound to the cinematic experience? This aspect of filmmaking just might be one of the elements that gets taken for granted most. Human beings know how most things should sound, and that we expect sound to register in a certain way. I know plenty of people who watch films with closed captioning anyway, but we rely on sound for so many things. We need to hear the dialogue (especially the exposition) so we can keep up with the film. Film sound helps create the setting and atmosphere that the characters experience on screen. But how sound comes together is a fascinating phenomenon worth looking at.
What is the approach that 32 Sounds takes in presenting how sound works? This new documentary is quite dynamic in some unique ways. It is not a passive cinematic experience. The filmmakers challenge us to engage with the film and “play along” with a few aspects. If you are able to use headphones, certain aspects of the film experience become even more dynamic and engrossing. The film tackles certain advancements in sound and tries to get the audience involved in experiencing these advancements. There are moments where it calls for you to close your eyes and just experience the sound that the film is trying to conceptualize. There is even a five-minute interlude where we can get up and dance to the music. You didn’t think this would involve some cardio, did you?
Outside of these meta and interactive approaches, what else does director Sam Green present? If you were hoping for a history lesson as well, you are in for a treat! Green takes the audience back to the beginning of the film and walks us through the revolutionary technology that helped humanity leap forward. Early sound machines allowed us to keep records of voices and other sounds in the world. Green does a good job of fleshing out the cultural relevance of this technological advancement. The film hits on how sound has evolved over time, and how even more technological advancements have reshaped what sound can be today. Sound will always be sound, but there will always be new ways that it is conveyed and captured. The film does tackle just how sound works, on top of adding scientific layers to the experience.
But how does the film connect with the audience on a deeper level? Even though it is engaging in unique ways for a documentary, there are some moments that feel drawn out and lack engaging elements to keep the audience’s focus. But Green makes sure to include multiple scenes where humanity takes the forefront. There are a few experts and others who get a chance to either directly express the importance of sound to them, or who discuss their own engagement with sound. Music is one of the sound media focused on in this film, as it is something that so many people connect with. We hear from a deaf woman about what sounds mean to those who cannot experience it like the rest of us. One of the most touching moments is watching a political revolutionary standing with headphones on and listening to music. It is relatable and emotional, as most people can think about moments where they were whisked away by the power of music.
Does 32 Sounds offer up an experience worth taking? Green crafts a documentary that does not play out like most films like it, which is unique and dynamic. Not every moment is thoroughly engaging, but Green does find ways to keep the audience connected and involved for the most part. This film is a fascinating and interesting experience that will certainly teach you a thing or two.
Score: 8/10
32 Sounds will be in theaters on April 28
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