Elephant (2003) by Gus Van Sant

The main elements of this piece were the repetitive beat that can be heard all the way through, as well as noises from the jungle such as birds or water flowing. This film is a very sensitive and a sad topic, so I think the artist wanted the audience to feel concern and anxiety whilst hearing the piece. I believe the repetitive beat really achieves a feel of anxiety as it builds up enormous tension and anticipation, and feels very menacing to listen to. It’s as if the audio track is about to explode in to life at any point. The sound of the animals also builds up this sense of anxiety due to it juxtaposing the onscreen action. We’re watching two people murdering, however we can also hear the peaceful sound of the jungle, which makes us feel awkward and confused. However I think the sound of the animals is effective because it’s unusual and out of place, which helps build this sense of confusion that the students and murderers were feeling. I also felt the sound of the water trickling reminded me of blood flowing on to the floor. The soundtrack is weird because you have a menacing beat, fused with peaceful sounds of a jungle.

Elephant. (2003). Directed by Gus Van Sant. 2003, HBO Films.