Stranger than fiction (2006)
The opening sequence of "Stranger than Fiction" is an example of how diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are used in film. Throughout the entire opening sequence there is an author narrating over the sequence and giving the audience a detailed description of the day to day life of the main protagonist Harold Crick (Will Ferrell).
During the narration, the author (Emma Thompson) narrates to the audience the punctuality and organisation of Harold during his working week. The author shows this punctuality and organisation of Harold by listing the various tasks which Harold does during the working week.These include the figures of when he wakes up every morning for work, how many times Harold brushes his teeth everyday, the number of steps he takes to walk to the bus to go to work, the length of his coffee breaks and the time he goes to bed every night. Harold keeps track of these times everyday with his trusty wristwatch which is Harold's lifeline in making sure he stays organised and on time with everything everyday of the week.
The increased use of the non-diegetic sound used in this opening sequence is more significant than the diegetic sound, which gives connotations to the audience that Harold is not very sociable with others as he is only seen talking to his co-workers when the conversation is work related, or if he is being asked a question.
The only form of diegetic sound used in this opening sequence is the sounds of the rush hour, when people are either walking or driving to work in the city. Diegetic sound in this sequence appears to be everywhere surrounding Harold apart from coming from Harold's mouth for whenever he communicates with his co-workers.
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