The English Patient

Blog post: Watch a movie and discuss the nuances of its sound design. Extra credit if you watch a film edited by Walter Murch. See pages 314 -317 of The Conversations for a complete list of Murch’s movies.

Listen to this scene for The English Patient.  Pay close attention to when Kip, the Indian man, shoots the gun and tries to get inside.  Also, pay attention to after he discovers the mine, when Hannah is upstairs in the bedroom window observing.

Hopefully you are able to see the wonderful sound editing done by Walter Murch.  In the beginning of the scene the details of Kip shooting the gun, attempting to open the door, and trying to find the mine are all vivid.  There is no attention to what is going on outside, no sounds of wind, animals, crickets, bugs, etc.  This is there key moment were they first talk with one another.  A sexual tension is felt through the noises and there conversation.  After -- when Kip is outside with the others, and Hannah is upstairs with the English Patient, you are able to juxtapose both the sounds outside, as well as the conversation inside. You hear the crickets, conversation, and assembly of the tent, while also experiencing the intimate conversation occurring inside. This scene seems to show the beginning of the relationship between Hannah and Kip and implies there sexual attraction.  They both like each other, and this is the first scene where we can tell.  The sole focus on the two of them is what makes this apparent.  The crickets at the end of the scene allows us to tell that time has passed and night is falling.  Also, the picture show Hannah's admiration of Kip.

I loved the movie -- maybe it was because I was watching it by myself on my computer listening via headphones.  I was so engaged and interested, although I was interested by class, but I returned immediately to finish it.  The movie was one I believe I could watch over and over again.  The editing both sound and picture wise is AMAZING!  The sounds really tie the photos in together, allowing it all to flow smoothly and be an awesome movie! Thanks for the recommendation Professor Knight!