The Role of Music in Film
Music plays a very important role in shaping media, especially in film. It can enhance the emotions of any scene. For instance, if an actor is running through a building, the type of music that is playing can change the entire mood. If some upbeat, action-packed music is playing, then the actor could be running from villains like John Wick. However, if there’s eerie, horror music, then perhaps there’s a monster or killer that he’s running from, and the list goes on. He could just be late for work or running to save a cat on the roof.
Music makes all the difference. It’s how the director intended the film to be interpreted. Without it, one scene could mean a million different things. The soundtrack in a film tells the audience exactly what the characters are feeling, thinking, and what their intentions are, often on a subconscious level. Just like facial expressions, music reveals it all. It hints at what hasn’t been revealed yet either. It is like a book for our ears. Let me show you an example.
https://youtu.be/gNzl4CYNV1Y
The binary sunset scene is one of the most iconic scenes in the Star Wars franchise. The soundtrack, composed by John Williams, fits perfectly into the scene. It lets the audience know what Luke is feeling in that moment. He is longing to explore and get off Tatooine, searching for hope.
Now let’s change the music and see what happens.
https://youtu.be/s5BNhmG32Wk
By adding a more sinister track behind it, the entire mood changes. Maybe instead of feeling a sense of longing, Luke might have darker plans on how to get what he wants. Perhaps he will be more like Darth Vader, and destruction lies behind those suns instead of hope.
Music can even make an impact when it’s not there. If a scene builds with a powerful soundtrack and the music suddenly cuts right before a dramatic moment, that silence can create suspense and surprise for a reveal. A good soundtrack is the best form of storytelling. So next time you watch a movie, pay attention to what you’re hearing, the music might tell you the story before the characters do.
