The Importance of Music to Films
Why is Music Important to Films?
Have you seen any silent films from the 1930s? These were called silent films because there were no recorded dialogues to accompany the movie. However the film is not totally silent. There was music which conveys the emotion of each scene.
Soundtracks or music is important not only in films but also in games. Music aids the storytelling and enriches the scene as it conveys emotions such as excitement, joy, love and even negative emotions such as fear, horror and sadness.
Some of My Favorites that I Remember
Today I will list my favorite soundtracks I heard in movies or TV series and how the music adds value to the scene. These are some on top of my head or still remember. I'm sure there are a lot more if I research but the below list will be sufficient to illustrate my point. I intentionally skipped musicals like Dirty Dancing or A Star is Born though since these are movies about music anyway. Here they are, in no particular order.
This music in this running scene is uplifting and motivational. You can feel Rocky's energy and determination along with the whole city supporting him. Even today, this music is used for workouts.
I saw this movie when I was a kid and the music crescendo somehow tells you something wonderful and big is coming--a hero out of this world.
LOTR Fellowship of the Ring/Bridge of Khazad-dum
This whole sequence from the frantic sounds as the fellowship was trying to escape to the thriumphant music when Aragorn and Frodo was able to cross and finally the sorrowful music after Gandalf fell. Each piece of music in this scene and the whole movie series is a fitting soundtrack that adds to the epicness of the movie. LOTR movie series is my favorite of all time.
The popular TV series in the 90s about government conspiracy to conceal alien invasion of planet earth. The music conveys out of this world mystery.
Who can forget this epic TV series even though it was ruined by season 8? This soundtrack is simply epic fitting to the events happening in Westeros.
Attack on Titan/Shinzou wo Sasageyo!
The only anime entry although there are a lot out there. Anime music is very good and should have its own list. I don't understand the words but the scene and the music tells the story of people facing unimaginable odds and ready to die fighting.
What Happens if the Soundtrack is Wrong?
Now what happens if a movie picks a soundtrack not appropriate to the scene? It becomes confusing and not as enjoyable. Music makes the viewer more immersed in the scene but if the wrong music is applied then the fantasy crumbles and you are just watching a movie scene and not totally invested in it. Watch the below clips where the wrong music were played in popular movies including Rocky 😅
Conclusion
Music helps in the story telling. Without music, scenes will feel bland and soulless. Music evokes the viewer's feelings and heightens the senses. It is as important as the movie itself and choosing the right music makes the movie more enjoyable and memorable. It's been years but I still feel pumped up whenever I hear that Rocky theme 😀
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Yeah, I also get that pumped heartbeat during an action scene accompanied by an energetic soundtrack waiting to see what unfolds, music is so powerful a tool used in movie production and the right music has to be chosen to fit the storytelling.
movie soundtrack adds to emotions when watching movies.
Yes, that's why it's important to have the correct music for movies 😀
Aside from superman I haven't watched any of these movies. I am thinking to search some silent movies from 1930s period. It is gonna be interesting. I think so!
Here's a scene
There are so many movies with songs in the background that do nothing to enhance the movie. An epic soundtrack is a masterpiece and you need a good director to see that. Tarantino is probably the best at that! Pulp Fiction for example was my pick.
Yea I've seen it too. Nice on-linear storytelling and good soundtrack 😀