While we love the movies we watch on the big screen, whether it’s a movie like this summer’s “Oppenheimer” or a classic like “Indiana Jones,” most casual movie-goers would consider film soundtracks to be background noise to enhance the films. Well, we are here to say that film soundtracks play a pivotal role in capturing the attention of audiences, evoking emotions, and immersing viewers in the world of the movie. Whether it’s the exciting orchestrations of John Williams or the heavy ambient sounds from Hanz Zimmer, there is always something for everybody when it comes to listening to a film score. Here in this blog, we will explore the many reasons why you should listen to film soundtracks beyond the confines of watching on the big screen.
Emotional Resonance: Many film soundtracks you listen to are composed to elicit emotions for the movie you watch. From the massive crescendos of action films to the tender melodies of love stories, composers adjust to the film’s emotional depth of the scene to get the right vibe for the music. Listening to soundtracks allows us to relive the intense emotions experienced during the movie and connect with the characters' struggles, triumphs, and heartaches. The choice of instruments can also have a significant influence on the emotional tone of the music. For example, a soaring orchestra might be used to enhance the feelings of heroism and triumph. The tempo and rhythm of the music play a big role in shaping the emotions of a scene. Slow, gentle tempos can evoke sadness, while fast-paced tempos can evoke excitement and tension. The use of dynamics adds depth to the emotional impact of a movie. Gradual swells and decrescendos can heighten anticipation and drama, while sudden loud bursts of noise can startle or emphasize pivotal moments.
Unforgettable Themes: Many iconic themes have spawned from great film soundtracks, including the works of John Williams and Hanz Zimmer. Themes of heroism are common in action and adventure films. They are characterized by their uplifting melodies, symbolizing the bravery and triumph of the protagonist in their quest to overcome challenges. Themes like John Williams' "Star Wars" and Hans Zimmer's "Pirates of the Caribbean" have gotten timeless status, representing the feel of the stories they accompany. Themes could evoke other emotions including love/romance, tragedy/loss, suspense, wonder, conflict, and hope. Listening to these themes can help you learn to appreciate the work of film composers, as they contain memorable melodies and movements throughout these pieces.
Immersive Escapism: Listening to soundtracks can take our minds into a different world. The music is meant to set the tone for the entire film, create atmosphere, enhance emotion, or create suspense. By choosing the right musical style for the film or scene, composers can transport the audience into the movie's atmosphere, whether it's a thrilling adventure, a romantic love story, or a haunting horror journey. Soundtracks contribute to building the ambiance of a scene or setting. The music can create a sense of time and place, whether it's a futuristic world of Blade Runner or a magical world like the Harry Potter franchise. This atmosphere helps the audience immerse themselves into the film's universe. Whether it’s a cool synth pad or a well-composed harmony performed by an orchestra, soundtracks can make us feel as if we are in our favorite films.
Diversity of Styles: Many film soundtracks can also provide a vast array of musical styles and genres. Whether it’s an orchestral composition, an electronic score, or a contemporary pop track, the diversity of film soundtracks can accommodate every musical listeners’ preference. If you want to check out some more orchestrated scores, check out composers such as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, or Hanz Zimmer. If you want to check out some electronic scores, check out Vangelis or Tangerine Dream. There are also many films set in a different culture, where the composers incorporate music native to that region. This reflects the cultural richness and diversity of the world, which can be portrayed with traditional instruments of the region, folk melodies, or indigenous rhythms. There are also many soundtracks that offer a compilation of many different rock or pop songs like Baby Driver or Guardians of the Galaxy.
Appreciation of Composition: Composing film soundtracks is a challenging art because you have to consider the scenes you are writing music for. As a film composer, you want to think about how the music is going to fit the mood of the scene, and what tools you should use to accomplish this.The ability to synchronize music with on-screen action, dialogue, and emotions requires a deep understanding of storytelling and an acute sense of timing. By actively listening to film soundtracks, we gain a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each composition, recognizing the meticulous effort that goes into every note.
The Foundation of Cinema: Soundtracks keep a film together by revealing all components of the narrative, even when the dialogue and action may not be as obvious. Many horror and thriller films rely on a harsh, gritty, and chilling soundtrack to accompany the scare scenes. You can try to imagine a horror movie scene without a suspenseful horror soundtrack, which would sound really awkward. Without the “Duel of Fates” in Star Wars, you wouldn’t get the intense epicness with the lightsaber fights between jedi and sith.
Film soundtracks are an enchanting world of emotion, imagination, and artistry. They offer much more than just a accompaniment to movies; they stand alone as great compositions of music that deserve recognition. By actively listening to film soundtracks, we open ourselves to a world of emotional resonance, thematic brilliance, and creative inspiration. So, the next time you find yourself drawn to the magic of cinema, remember to absorb the enchanting melodies and harmonies that accompany it. Listen to film soundtracks, and let the music take you into the scenes of your favorite films.
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Sources: https://www.musicnotes.com/blog/the-importance-of-movie-soundtracks/