The Vulgariser
Short Film
The Vulgariser explores the toxic relationship between a writer and their manipulative mentor, delving into manipulation, self-doubt, and ambition.
Client: Independent Short Film Production
Project Title: The Vulgariser
Objective:
The Vulgariser is a short film that delves into the tumultuous and toxic relationship between a young writer and their troubled mentor. As the protagonist reflects on the influence of their mentor, the film explores themes of manipulation, self-doubt, and the price of creative ambition. The sound design and music were essential in capturing the tension and psychological complexity of their dynamic, immersing the audience in the writer’s emotional struggle and internal conflict.
Music Integration:
The music underscored the evolving relationship between the writer and mentor, transitioning from subdued, melancholic tones to darker, more oppressive themes as the toxicity of the mentorship became evident. A minimalist score, featuring distorted strings and haunting piano, was used to evoke unease and introspection.
The music complemented key narrative moments, such as the protagonist’s breakthroughs and breakdowns, with subtle crescendos and dissonant harmonies. These shifts in tone accentuated the psychological tension while maintaining a restrained presence, ensuring the focus remained on the unfolding drama.
Sound Design Approach:
The sound design played a crucial role in reflecting the film’s psychological intensity. We crafted an auditory world that mirrored the protagonist’s internal state, with distorted ambient sounds and unsettling audio cues subtly layered throughout.
For flashbacks and moments of heightened tension, we incorporated abstract soundscapes—low drones, sharp tonal shifts, and distant, echoing voices—to evoke the protagonist’s lingering unease and the mentor’s looming influence. Everyday sounds, like footsteps and door creaks, were heightened and distorted to create an oppressive atmosphere, symbolizing the writer’s growing sense of entrapment.
During pivotal confrontations, sound elements such as the crackling of fire or the snapping of a pen were amplified to emphasize the emotional stakes. The result was a soundscape that seamlessly blended realism with psychological abstraction, drawing the audience deeper into the protagonist’s turmoil.
Tone and Style:
The tone of the sound design was dark, introspective, and tense. Every sound element—from the quiet scratch of a pen to the eerie hum of silence—was designed to amplify the film’s themes of manipulation and self-doubt. The interplay between music and sound design created a richly layered auditory experience that captured the toxicity and complexity of the central relationship.
Technical Delivery:
- Delivered in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound formats, optimized for festival and digital screenings.
- Mixed to meet cinematic loudness standards, ensuring dynamic balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects.
Timeline:
- First sound pass: 12/05/2024
- Final mix and approval: 01/07/2024
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