Rorschach is Duh Boss

The scene being analyzed in this post runs from 10 seconds to 2:04 in this clip. We are looking at Rorschach's opening monologue from watchmen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEpz3h9Pr0Q

Script:

Analysis:

In this clip most of the sounds heard are causal or literal representations of the events occurring throughout the scene.  Specific instances include the grappling hook break through the police tape and dragging on the tiled floor, to the entirety of the segment in which Rorschach digs through the comedian’s closet.  However some semantic sounds are recognizable within the scene as well.  The most obvious of which occurs while Rorschach scales the building with the grappling hook.  As he ascends the building we hear sort of an electrified noise that increases in pitch as he approaches the window.

            Along with listening modes the space of the sound was obvious throughout the scene.  For instance looking at the same segment where Rorschach scales the building, the change in pitch from low to high depicts Rorschach going higher in elevation and represents his movement.  His movement is obvious due to this effect even when the sound becomes off screen.  Along with movement there is a strong presence of emotion through sound, specifically when Rorschach enters the comedian’s room.  As he kicks open the door we find the door making a hollow creaky sound that echoes and resonates for several seconds around the room.  Doing this with sound creates the eerie presence and unsettlement Rorschach and the audience are receiving from the scene, which is necessary since Rorschach is investigating a murder.