MoMI Trip

On my second trip to the Museum of the Moving Image, I really noticed how little changed. In the few years separating the two visits, I really have not changed much in my knowledge of film production techniques – however, I do have an increased appreciation. Not because of the trip, really – anyone with even a passing knowledge of films know how each individual element is paramount to the impact of a piece. Look at Star Wars – without the amazing score by John Williams, it falls apart. These lessons are nothing new, and are trite to go over again and again.

However, if the Museum of the Moving Image can actually still give an impact, it does so with the mere intensity of the elements of production. One exhibit that stands out in this regard has to do with sound mixing. A larger than life Mac with Final Cut Pro and a scene from Titanic looms overhead, with the ability to alter which sound is played when – the ability to mute individual sounds betrays how much goes into the things we’re not supposed to notice. Sound design and editing are at their best when they immerse the audience, and are seamless, completely sublime to the experience. The elements of sound accompany and bolster the picture – but they do not replace it. Listening and watching the sequence, however, you understand how much it affects the picture when the sound is modified or played with in a negative way. It’s an obvious lesson, yes – but one that’s often forgotten.