In the short film Sirenomelia, there is a mermaid that is seen swimming in a decommissioned NATO base. The part that I particularly found interesting was the noise and camera angles of when the mermaid was in vision. The beginning of the video states the sound is “white noise” but I noticed that when the mermaid was in frame it sounded like a disruption in audio. Exemplifying a disruption in reasoning and belief of the reality that mermaids could exist.
The changes in audio and video quality was evident throughout the whole film, another notable change was when the camera was closer to the water/ in the water the video quality was blurrier or not as clear and the audio was stronger—in a almost eerie kind of way. Where as the beginning and the end of the film, once the camera was panned out or in aerial view the video quality was more clear and the audio was more of tranquillity. This detail in the film definitely ties into the description of the film stating that the creators wanted to show “The Future is Certain; It’s The Past Which is Unpredictable…history can both be rewritten and imprint itself on the future.”
The contrast of blurrier images and sounds replicate the past that was something the present could only understand through the lenses of others that show unclarity. Where as the clearer images show the future and the progression that future is advancing in.
Wonderful attention to the audio aspect of this film! Indeed, remember that “siren” is essential to the title of this film and to the history of mermaids, so the sonic is always with us; I’m glad you’re bringing it back to the fore. I’d love to see you push this insight and towards an interpretation, and perhaps lead us in discussion tomorrow!
Hi Jackie! I agreed with your post especially when you noticed the detail of disruption in the audio, specifically when the mermaid is visible on screen. I thought this was an interesting detail as well especially since the audio did not seem to match the visuals. The presence of the mermaid may have disrupted the audio, but the mermaid did not disrupt the appearance of the water, and seemed to move as one with it.
Hi Jackie,
I honestly did not catch the distortion of the audio whenever the mermaid was on screen so it was a very insightful revelation to me. One aspect I found interesting was that the mermaid itself was never fully on screen which added to the sense of mystery to the short film
Hello Jackie, I loved how you talked about the audio. While I watched the short film there was an undeniable feeling of horror. The silent horror that comes with distinct audio cues. Like you said it felt like a documentary, in a way where a narrator could’ve said, “We have obtained rare footage of the mysterious creature”. It had a serious undertone despite nothing being said.
Hey Jackie I see your point one the camera angles and how the film sirenomelia is about how audio is utilized in the film and makes the quote in the film.