In the context of cinema and storytelling, various techniques can be employed to convey the gravity of an off-screen event. Here's an analysis of the techniques you've listed:
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Music that gets quieter as people speak after a long pause: This technique can convey a sense of somberness and gravity, as the realization of the terrible event settles in. The quietness of the music allows the audience to focus on the dialogue, enhancing the emotional impact.
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Close-up shot of a clock ticking from one minute to the next: This technique emphasizes the passage of time and can create a sense of urgency or anxiety. It heightens tension, making the audience acutely aware of how time feels extended or frozen after the traumatic event.
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Wide shot establish where the characters are presently located: This can contextualize the characters’ environment and serve as a visual reminder of the reality they're facing. It can also contrast the magnitude of the off-screen event with the mundane aspects of their surroundings.
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Swelling of dramatic music: This technique can heighten emotional responses and foreshadow a significant revelation or moment. Dramatic music often accompanies critical turning points in a narrative.
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Reaction shot showing onlookers' expressions immediately after the event: This approach captures the immediate emotional impact of the event on characters and can elicit empathy from the audience. It provides insight into how the event is being processed and understood by those who witnessed it.
In summary, all these techniques can effectively be used in a narrative to communicate the seriousness and emotional weight of an off-screen event, and each serves a specific purpose in enhancing the storytelling and audience experience.