When it comes to films, most people tend to focus on the visual elements like the actors, the setting, and the special effects. But what about the sound and music? They're just as important, if not more so, and should never be overlooked. In this essay, I will argue against the sentiment that sound and music aren't meant to be noticed in film and explain how they can be an essential part of how and why people remember a movie.
Let's start with the basics. Sound and music play a crucial role in creating a movie's atmosphere and setting the tone for the story. The sound of footsteps echoing down an empty hallway can create a sense of dread or anticipation, while a soaring orchestral score can make you feel like you're witnessing something truly epic. Without these elements, a movie can feel flat, uninspired, and forgettable.
Audio does more than just set the mood. Sound and music can also be used to immerse the audience in the story and make them feel invested in the lives of the characters. For example, in the film "Rocky," the famous theme song "Gonna Fly Now" not only energizes the audience but also gives them the impression that they are fighting alongside Rocky for his dreams. Similarly, the use of "My Heart Will Go On" in "Titanic" draws the audience into the emotional journey of the characters and makes them feel the gravity of their tragedy.
Now, you might be thinking, "But isn't the point of sound and music to blend seamlessly into the background and enhance the visuals without drawing attention to themselves?" Well, yes and no. While it's true that they should never be overpowering or distracting from the action on screen, the best sound and music should be noticed and appreciated for the impact they have on the movie as a whole.
For example, take the iconic theme from "Jaws." The suspenseful and ominous notes played by John Williams have become synonymous with danger and have become a cultural reference in their own right. Or how about the classic song "Stuck in the Middle with You" used in the infamous ear-cutting scene in "Reservoir Dogs?" It's hard to imagine that scene being as effective without the upbeat and almost comical tune playing in the background.
However, sound and music serve more purposes than simply evoking feelings or establishing a mood. Additionally, they have the power to immerse the viewer in a different world by establishing a sense of time and place. In "Guardians of the Galaxy," for instance, the use of time-specific music helps to firmly ground the audience in the 1970s, and in "Black Panther," the use of traditional African music adds to the authenticity of the fictional nation of Wakanda.
In addition, sound and music can be used to heighten the impact of certain scenes or moments, making them more memorable and impactful. Think about the classic scene from "The Lion King," where Simba holds up his newborn cub for all the animals to see, while the iconic song "Circle of Life" plays in the background. It's a scene that sticks with you long after the credits have rolled, and the music plays a huge role in that.
Yet not all film music and sound effects are created equally. They occasionally have the power to ruin the experience and give a movie a cheap, amateurish vibe. Have you ever seen a movie whose over-the-top sound effects completely distracted you from the plot? Or in cases where the music is so unmemorable and generic that you are unable to recall anything about it after the film has ended? These are the kinds of audio and musical selections that can tarnish an otherwise excellent film and render it forgettable.
On the other hand, well-executed sound and music can be the secret to creating a memorable film. For instance, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' electronic score for the film "The Social Network" perfectly captures the fast-paced, cutthroat environment of tech startups, placing the audience in the thick of the action. And who can forget the choir's ethereal and melancholy sound from "Interstellar"? The sense of wonder and awe at the size of the universe and the unknowable is exquisitely captured.
Not only are sound and music intended to be heard, but they can also play a crucial role in how and why a movie is remembered by its audience. Sound and music can make or break a movie, from setting the tone and fostering an emotional connection to escorting the audience to an entirely different world. The best sound and music should be noticed and appreciated for the impact they have on the overall experience, even though they shouldn't be obtrusive or distracting.
Never undervalue the importance of sound and music in a movie because they are just as essential as the pictures. They have the capacity to forge an emotional bond, carry the audience to a different world, and make a movie memorable. So the next time you watch a movie, take a moment to appreciate the sound and music choices and how they enhance the overall experience. And you'll know the sound and music in that movie did their jobs well if you find yourself humming the theme song or recalling a specific sound effect long after the credits have finished.
Works Cited:
Chion, Michel. Audio-Vision: Sound on Screen. Columbia University Press, 1994.
Gorbman, Claudia. Unheard Melodies: Narrative Film Music. Indiana University Press, 1987.
Kassabian, Anahid. Hearing Film: Tracking Identifications in Contemporary Hollywood Film Music. Routledge, 2001.
King, Geoff, and Tanya Krzywinska, editors. ScreenPlay: Cinema/Videogames/Interfaces. Wallflower Press, 2002.
Lehman, Peter. "The Craft of Film Music." New York Times, 16 Oct. 2005.
Murch, Walter. "Sound Design and the Importance of Sound in Film." Filmmaker Magazine, 12 Jan. 2015, https://filmmakermagazine.com/94245-sound-design-and-the-importance-of-sound-in-film/#.WnTp-JM-fVo.
Rose, Steve. "The Sound of Silence: Why Most Movie Soundtracks Are a Disappointment." The Guardian, 12 June 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jun/12/movie-soundtracks-disappointment-ost.
Zimmer, Hans, and Jim Beaver. "Film Music: Hans Zimmer." Playboy, Feb. 2006.
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