In the animated film Ellian and the Spell, available on Netflix since November 22, 2024, a remarkable scene (at 0:49:40) takes place in a magical cave where sounds take on a tangible form: soft vocalizations appear as fluffy white clouds, while aggressive sounds materialize into sharp, red structures.
This visual representation of sound is rare in cinema. In Ellian and the Spell, this personification of sound goes beyond mere auditory illustration. It symbolizes how words and sounds can physically and emotionally affect us. Gentle sounds that soothe and aggressive sounds that hurt are given a visual embodiment here, reinforcing the idea that language and sound profoundly impact our bodies.
This artistic approach highlights the importance of sensory perception in storytelling, making abstract concepts like the effect of words on our emotions tangible. It also reminds us that sound, just like visuals, can be a powerful medium for meaning and experience in animated cinema.
Ultimately, Ellian and the Spell offers an innovative exploration of the synesthesia between sound and image, enriching the film's narrative and emotional palette. This visual representation of sound invites viewers to reflect on how words and sounds affect them in their own lives.
What other films do you know that use sound as expressively and tangibly?
