How Is Sound Used In The Little Mermaid

In The Little Mermaid, sound is vital as it shapes multiple “functions” of the film such as, character, audience attention, and audience feeling. The characters in this film cannot simply rely on imagery alone to give the audience a sense of who they are. In The Little Mermaid, King Triton is paired with thunderous and loud sounds creating a powerful and demanding character. For example, when he begins to get riled up over Ariel’s supposed mistake the nondiegetic musical score begins to become fast paced; thus, linking his aggressiveness with the music being played. On the other hand, there is a moment when softer nondiegetic music is being heard by the audience after he reprimanded Ariel. This reveals that King Triton feels guilty and somewhat ashamed for being so harsh on his daughter.

The sound in The Little Mermaid reveals that he doesn’t have the power or position that King Triton has. For instance, when he is introduced as the composer of the concert he follows a big and loud entrance from the king; leaving Sebastian to an entrance that has less complex tones from the nondiegetic orchestra and less diegetic clapping coming from the crowd. Ursula, a wicked sea witch, is matched with sneaky and spine-chilling music while singing to Ariel about wanting to help her get Prince Eric. The music reveals to the audience that Ursula is lying to Ariel about being helpful and concerned about people’s feelings. Another occurrence of how sound exposes character is Ursula’s jagged, scratchy, and rough voice. This gives her character an overall evil and conniving