Sound in Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

When watching Paranormal Activity 2 , I could not help but notice how significant sound and the lack of sound was in the film.

The film is shot informally with a hand-held (and surveillance) camera to evoke authenticity. Due to such aesthetic, visual elements are not enhanced by CGI (Computer-Generated Image). Instead, sound is used to produce anxiety, fear, and anticipation.

Throughout the film, day scenes are cut to night scenes. These scene are very quiet. The viewer is aware of a presence. The silence is used as a sound effect that evokes a frightening anticipation.

In the midst of the silence, a slight, indescribable sound creates tension that alarms the viewer that something is about to occur. Such tension would turn the peaceful image of a baby sleeping into a intense and fearful event in the film.

The film plays with the viewers feelings with such sound, making the viewer unaware of what will happen next. When something does occur, the sound drastically changes, creating the "jump" effect from the audience.

I think about the film and wonder if I would have the same emotional effect if the audio was off, or if I simply covered my ears.