Music Makes the Movie

Are you ever watching one of your favorite TV shows or movies, and you suddenly think…wow. This instrumental just gave me the chills. Many people may not even pay mind to the soundtrack of their beloved films, but for those who do? It makes the media just all that better. Music behind emotional, funny, or even scary scenes is instrumental (pun intended), to communicate the feelings behind the moments subconsciously. Have you ever seen a movie without music? Sometimes this technique is purposely used to cement a feeling of realism to the film, to make it feel like you’re not even watching a movie. However, even if a character is playing piano (e.g The Pianist), it adds so much depth. John Williams’s work in Home Alone, Star Wars, and Harry Potter? I mean, WOW. The soundtracks of movies can transport one to a whole different world, especially as you’re watching the films themselves. And besides, what would a movie be without background noise? Awkward. What would the iconic shower scene from Psycho be today without the violins? On a more boring note (pun intended once again), the tactic of creating a well-known soundtrack is smart for marketing a movie and solidifying it as something to go down in film history. Take Requiem for a Dream. Many people love the movie, but others think it isn’t worth the hype. However, something everyone can agree on is the music. The composition of the film made it iconic. One final example of a composer I have is Justin Hurwitz. His work on Whiplash and La La Land adds so much emotion to both films. The quick paced jazz in Whiplash adds to the overall stressful and tense atmosphere, while the piano in La La Land tugs at your heartstrings. In conclusion…a movie isn’t a movie without the sound.