Sound

The movie Nomadland directed by Chloé Zhao relies mainly on diegetic sounds, meaning sounds that are part of the characters’ environment. The use of non-diegetic sounds is rare and consists only of melancholy music, often played on a single instrument, usually a piano or violin, or a mixture of these two.

Sounds that are part of the characters’ environment are important as they immerse the viewers in the events, since a movie is both a visual and an auditory experience. An example of this would be the sound of Vanguard’s engine, as it is something the main character hears almost constantly. This makes us feel closer to the main character and her experiences.

Sounds found in nature, such as that of raindrops or birds singing also add to the movie’s atmosphere. The nomads often mention a deep connection with the natural world. These sounds enhance the idea of such a connection.

Singing seems to be quite important in the movie. One of the first scenes shows Fern driving and singing a Christmas carol. This helps to mark the timeline, as it is clear that the events from the beginning of the movie take place close to Christmas.

Some of the songs that the characters sing have special significance in the story. A prime exampl...