Auditory Elements

 Audio plays a huge role in showing the character’s emotional state. I planned the sound design to follow their mental chaos. The rattle of pills, uneven breathing, and subtle background noises are going to be amplified to create tension. Music glitches and distorts when they put on headphones, signaling instability, and jumping back in once the character consumes the pill.  These changes in sound make the audience feel what the character is feeling.

Naples, J., & Duque, V. (2020, July 22). Healthy headphone use: How loud and how long? Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-headphone-use-how-loud-and-how-long-2020072220565

I also thought about how audio interacts with visuals. The chaotic, fast-paced sounds at the beginning match the frantic camera cuts and close-ups, while the music becomes smoother and more powerful as the character’s movements become confident. Silence, distorted sound, and rhythmic breathing all help tell the story without dialogue. Planning these audio elements early ensures the audience experiences the emotional journey through sound as much as through visuals.

ITC Pro Sound. (n.d.). Professional audio design – Studio room solution. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://www.itcprosound.com/solution/3322.html