This clip is from the popular drama series Hollyoaks. We
see a boy that is suffering from Schizophrenia attempt to commit suicide by
jumping into the canal. There is very little dialogue throughout the whole clip
but instead replaced with non-diegetic music that works just as well.
The scene begins with some orchestral, echo-y music which
adds an element of suspense and mystery. Very faintly there is also a drum beat
in the timing of a heart beat- this gives the impression that the audience is
almost inside of Newt and can hear everything from his perspective as
everything is very overwhelming for him. His girlfriend and foster father are
stood watching on and they shout at him “there’s no one there, it’s just you!”
the crackle in their voice portrays their panic and worry for Newt.
Non-diegetic music then comes in and it sounds very eerie
and abstract linking to Newt’s character. The music consists of many different
instruments such as strings, drums and brass which give it a very abnormal feel
putting the audience one edge. As Newt jumps, there is dialogue from his father
shouting ‘don’t jump’. Again, this is very echo-y and reinforces the idea that
the audience is seeing the action through Newt’s eyes.
As he jumps, it cuts to his foster mother reading a
fairytale to her son however the music continues to play over the top. This
almost cuts out the horror of Newt committing suicide and replaces it with something
the complete opposite- a fairytale. It could also represent the idea that his
loved ones want it to be nothing but a story rather than being true.
Ironically, the story she is reading is to do with a prince jumping into water.
As Newt hits the water, there is multiple different sounds
overlapping one another: the sound of the water, the music and shouting from his
foster father and girlfriend. However, the music has now changed to one long
minor chord giving a sense of abnormality and distress.
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