Week2 - Audio Arts - Scene Analysis/Breakdown

For the analysis / breakdown of two scenes from a feature film, I have selected The Bourne Supremacy. The lead actor is Matt Damon who plays Jason Bourne.

Scene 1: Dialogue 23:50 – 25:35

A conversation takes place between Ward Abbott and Pamela Landy (CIA Directors) where they are discussing Treadstone, Alexander Conklin, and Jason Bourne for the first time in the movie.
Dialogue: Both characters participate in tense, authoritative tones, with both seeking superiority. In pauses there is breathy/sighing noises from Abbott (who is much older than Landy)
Music: No music for the first 40 seconds.
Foley: Landy instigates the first shuffling of papers, which is the only noise in addition to the dialogue for the first part. Abbott makes a thump on the papers (on the table), and there is the noise of Landy opening a manila folder. The motion (noise) of papers provides symbolism for who is actually in control more.
Atmos: Silence creates the atmosphere. It is tense, and is preparing to give the viewer insights into the main protagonist.

Dialogue: Abbott begins a narrative on Treadstone and Jason Bourne. The picture leaves the conversation and shows Bourne (the object of discussion). This picture is not a recollection, but what is occurring simultaneously.
Music: Music starts as Abbott begins his narrative and continues for the duration of the scene. It is fairly light and sensitive, with some light percussion and strings. A slight rise in tension and the vision returns to the conversation.
Atmos: The sounds of Bourne’s location occur.
Foley: Murmuring of voices.
Removal of passport from wallet.
FX: Water and Bird (gulls) sounds used for further imagery.

Dialogue: Landy shows her cards by stating her belief as to Bourne’s location, which is undermined by vision of Bourne going through customs.
Music: Steadily rising throughout.
Foley: Typing on keypad in customs

The scene is interrupted by knock on the door and the door opening. Landy leaves and her footsteps (Foley) is the only additional sound to the music. Abbott is left sitting in the room.

Scene 2: No Dialogue 19:37 – 21:07

The scene is in India and begins with the winching of Bourne’s vehicle out of the river. There is no dialogue at all.

Music: Deep, low-end music, with violins playing a high melodic line. A counter melody begins whilst the camera is focused on Bourne. Bourne is surveying the scene where his lover, Marie died.
Foley: Sounds of winching.
Atmos: Voices of people (Indian).
Bird sounds.
Wind ruffling reeds.
FX: Engine sound.

Close up of fire where Bourne is burning Marie’s photos and personal effects.
Music: Music continues, and a piano is introduced. Bourne is grieving. Percussion builds as Bourne prepares to throw the last photo of him and Marie on the fire, but we do not actually see it happen.
Foley: Crackling and burning of fire.
Sound of passport being thrown on fire.

Music keeps going and Bourne is now walking through his house with determination and focus. Bourne is gathering up all his important items.
Foley: Bourne’s footsteps.
Rattling through drawers, removing frames, picking up passports.
Opening drawers, stuffing backpack, picking up gun.
Creaking and closing of door.
These sounds are mostly similar.
Music: Keeps going, and suggests Bourne knows what he is doing, has a mission.

Vision of bus exiting terminal (Bourne is on the bus).
Music: Keeps going.
Atmos: Sound of voices and vehicles.
Initially there is no sound other than the music when the bus is shown. The camera is focused on Bourne at this time.
Vision shows the other bus users.
Music: Slightly diminished.
Atmos: Voices of people in bus (no-one specific).
Foley: Noise of bus itself going along road.

The scene ends with three forceful, yet not overpowering drum hits.