Pi (1998) Darren Aranofsky

This is probably the first film that really got me interested in film as an art form and possible career path. Similarly it is probably the first film where I registered the sound design as so important. Looking back on it now I can see so much more. The Sound designer Brian Emrich has had this role in many of Aranofsky’s films. I think that this is very clear when looking at ‘Requiem for a dream’ in the same analytic context. There is something about the whole visual and audio aesthetic that is ‘sickly’. For me this is something that stands out and help to make the film more effective. I find that there is something very tight and claustrophobic about the sound design. I think that this makes it very obvious of the build up that is occurring in Maximillan Cohen’s head. Again this an example of how well the sound and picture work together. I fond that with this film there is a slow gradual build up of paranoia and madness. The sound represents this perfectly. There is a constant build up in the background. While watching the film, you are registering it almost subconsciously but it is building to this great release at the end. With the idea of telling the story through sound, the sound design of ‘Pi’ definitely brings a greater understanding of what is going on inside Cohen’s mind. As his paranoia builds and the strain on his mind intensifies so does the sound. It also help with the pacing of the film, throughout the scenes where numbers are being discusses, it could have got a little bogged down but I find that sound design keeps it moving. For example in the coffee shop scene, there is this constant nagging beat. It keeps the pace of the scene up, driving it along. It also builds the tension, not only in this scene individually but on the film overall. Another stand out point of the sound design to me is when Cohen experiences the intense headaches. The pulsating low tones and the shrill piercing high ends make for somehow enthralling yet difficult listening. Coupled with Sean Gullette’s performance, the torture he is experiencing is so believable. This makes the film so much more powerful. The electronic sounds and designed sounds also help to reflect the mathematic and computer orientated world in which he character lives. Again it makes the world more believable. The sound reflects the picture. I feel this is something ‘Pi’ achieves so well . This film had had a definite impact on how I’m approaching the major Project. Emrich achieves something with ‘Pi’ that I am looking to do on ‘In Absentia.’ The way in which the sound reflects the protagonist’s mental state is something I am creating on my project. I think that the use of designed sound to do this is inspiring and I have taken a lot of inspiration form this. The way he creates this wall of sound that reflects the mental torment is incredible. The story is so believable because of it. I think ‘Pi’ is an all round master piece but the sound design is exquisite. Especially when coupled with the compositions of Clint Mansell.