Diegetic Sound

Theoretical Foundations

Coined by film theorists in the 1940s, “diegesis” refers to the narrative universe. Diegetic sounds include dialogue, footsteps, gunshots, and on-screen radios—anything characters could logically hear. The distinction frames audience perception: when Rick’s bar band in Casablanca plays “As Time Goes By,” the music is both atmospheric and plot-functional.

Production Techniques

Production sound mixers capture location audio, but most diegetic effects are recreated in Foley stages for clarity. Surround mixing positions sounds spatially—clinking glasses pan across rear channels as characters traverse a saloon.

Creative Manipulation

Directors sometimes weaponize diegetic sound by abruptly muting ambience during emotional shock, as in Saving Private Ryan’s D-Day tinnitus moments. Musicals blur lines when characters burst into song: the orchestra may be non-diegetic, but the sung lyrics sit diegetically once other characters respond.