Listen to the screaming clouds

the atmospheric exploration of sound in “Nope”

Abstract

The sensory experience of the world is multisensory, even though this may not be so evident in Western societies, where vision is the prevalent sense. Thus, the objective of this article is to demonstrate how listening directly impacts and shapes the sensitive experience of reality. To do this, we will analyze how hearing is worked on in Nope, a horror film that frequently produces dread through its sound design. Through bibliographical review and film analysis, we will examine the affective theory of atmospheres, according to authors such as Gernot Böhme and Tonino Griffero, and we will engage in a theoretical discussion on the first scene in which the supernatural creature from Nope inspires panic in the film's characters and its viewers. It is concluded, therefore, that listening is an action that immerses an individual in the world and fully shapes his or her affective experience.