Ambient and Multilayered Sound Design of Chaos and Paranoia in “Southland Tales” (2006)

Abstract

The article elaborates on sound design in American science-fiction film “Southland Tales” (2006) directed by Richard Kelly. Southland Tales‘ soundtrack may be considered inventive as it influences the tone of the film to a large extent and, thus, functions as a narrative device. I argue that it employs multilayered and ambient sounds so as to express the chaotic and complex atmosphere of the post-Bush American society. The analysis focuses on the characteristics of sound design in Southland Tales, namely the use of ambient music and multiplicity of sound layers. Next, it demonstrates in what ways the sound design in Southland Tales allows for interpreting the film as a satire. Moreover, the essay draws critical attention to the voiceover as a device which contributes to the emotionless and paranoid atmosphere of the film which would not be so emphasized if it were not for the sound.