Films are considered a mainly visual experience, and many people don't stop to consider just how important music is in movies. Audiences don't just watch; they also take in auditory stimuli. During the time of silent films, music was an essential part of telling the story, and live pianists were employed by theaters to accompany the visual feast. Characters were shaped and events foreshadowed using music to convey thought and emotion.
Chances are that if the music soundtrack were removed from a film, the omission would quickly be noticed. The movie would not be as enjoyable, and it would feel like something was missing. Music adds to the perception of things unseen. It has the power to alter mood and to change it, if needed. An epic score makes the sword fights more exciting, or increases the impact of a death.
Modern films often seem to lack the brilliant scores that were the norm during the Golden Age of Hollywood, when "Gone with the Wind" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" were hits. The 1970s and 1980s also had some of the most memorable original soundtracks, with classics such as John Williams' work on "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Imagine no "Star Wars Theme," if you can. Darth Vader will always be tied to "The Imperial March." Indiana Jones will always have his "Raiders March." Williams also gave magic to the world of Harry Potter, giving a sense of whimsy when appropriate, or of dire consequence such as that conveyed during the sad aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts.
Effective music does not always have to be an original score. The best examples are two films directed by Robert Zemeckis: "Back to the Future" and "Forest Gump." Each of these films deals with time travel and historical accounts.
Music from the times adds to the experience for the viewers, taking them along with the characters and their worlds. "American Psycho" uses music in such a manner to convey that the protagonist is mentally unstable and also to set the mood of 1987. The character of Patrick Bateman analyzes pop lyrics much like he does other matters, which reveals him as a psychopath with violent tendencies. His analysis of Phil Collins' "Sussudio" and Huey Lewis and the News' "Hip to be Square," among other songs, is all about who Bateman is.
One film is credited for bringing quality film soundtracks back to the masses. Hans Zimmer arranged the score for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator." It is not considered his best work, with only the haunting yet hopeful song "Elysium" as a standout, but sales of the soundtrack make it one of the most popular. Zimmer also brought the tremendous sounds to " Inception." Without such an ambitious soundtrack, the fantastical dream sequences in the movie would not have had the same impact. The pounding staccato beats that reach a boisterous crescendo of low brass and horns added magnitude to important sequences.
These days, there are few television shows in Hollywood that use live, full orchestras and scored themes. However, to hear an original soundtrack is a treat for the ears and mind. The science fiction drama "Fringe" is one of these, with music composed by Michael Giacchino and Chris Tilton. Each major character has his or her own individual theme, and there is even a couple's theme. Every episode has some original cues or variations on existing themes. Often described as a family drama masquerading as science fiction, the show is full of a range of human emotions. It would not be half of what it is without the perfect musical accompaniment.
In addition, the show makes excellent use of existing songs. One of the most emotional moments in the series places one of the main characters-Walter Bishop (John Noble)-in an old, abandoned taxi cab. His world is upside down, his family in despair, and there seems to be little hope left in a dystopian future. He takes an old mix CD and plays it. Yazoo's "Only You" comes on, and as he listens tearfully, he sees a lone dandelion emerging from the cracks of a sidewalk. As a result of the music, this beautiful scene conveys so much hope and emotion.
The importance of music is constantly referred to in the show. As Walter says, it helps him to shift perspective and to see things differently. This is true of any film audience, and it nicely sums up the importance of a music soundtrack. Providing useful articles, reviews and writings on movies and films online.
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