Use of Sound and Mise en scene in Practical Magic

The contrast between the two sisters in Practical Magic is shown predominantly in this scene where they both write to each other about their lives. The normally diagetic sound of both their voices is shown in a non-diagetic fashion, as it provides a narration to the montage portraying the way they live. The contrast is shown immediately through their tone of voices. Sally, the sensible sister who just wants to be normal, has a light, bubbaly tone as she is describing her married life. Jilly, however, when introduced provides a soft, alluring tone that represents the seductive nature of her life.


The non-diagetic music also shows the contrast between the two sisters. As Sally is running to meet her future husband, the song laying is light, happy, bubbly and innocent, reflecting her nature and the nature of their relationship. The same song is being played as it switches from Sally to Gillian, and the way the same song is portrayed gives further contrast of their lives. The music is a low, partying tune, and so Sally is seen dancing around her living room with her husband and kids. The scene fades to Gillian using a sound bridge, and shows her seductively dancing to the music by the pool side with many topless men.


The music fades into another song, providing another sound bridge. This song is even lower, with more drum, and provides an even more seductive tone to the scene. Her narration becomes husky and scattered, showing her excitement at the prospect of the man she is approaching. The music also mirrors her feelings towards him, and follows her journey to him down the hallway. It draws parallel between the seductive tune, and the way she is walking.


The diagetic sounds also provide contrast between the two sisters. During Sally’s clip, the diagetic background noises consist of joyful laughter and playful screams from her two children.

However, during Gillian’s clip, the diagetic background noises consist of splashes in the pool, carefree laughter and bottles being opened.


Throughout the film, but especially in this scene, the two sisters are shown in different lights. Sally, the older, sensable, motherly one, is often shown in bright, natural lighting to show her angelic nature. Gillian, the younger, seductive, reckless one is mostly shown in darker lighting, and often artifitial to reflect her darker, more sinister nature.

The use of props within the scene not only provides further contrast, but also act as action codes to the spectator.

In Sally’s scene, props consist of apples and bicycles. Later on, her husband is nearly killed by bicycles and so drops a crate of apples.

In Gillian’s scene, props consist of cigarettes, beer, and Jimmy’s ring. Later on, he tries to brand her with his ring using a cigarette lighter, whilst drunk.

Even their different hair colours show traits of their personality. Brunette, being the most common hair colour, shows how all Sally wants is to fit in and be normal. Gillian, however, is a fiery red-head.

Finally, the performances of Nicole JKidman and Sandra Bullock manipulate the spectators view of the characters. Nicole Kidman is constantly fixed with a cheeky smile, and seeks personal contact with other characters. Sandra Bullock, however, is always seen crossing her arms and donning a serious expression.