The underrated art of movie soundtracks

The Underrated Art of Movie Soundtracks

When we talk about movies, we usually focus on the plot, the characters, and the visuals. However, one aspect of filmmaking that often goes unnoticed is the soundtrack. Movie soundtracks are much more than just background music. They can add depth, emotion, and atmosphere to a film, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience.

In recent years, some movie soundtracks have gained recognition as standalone works of art. Think of Hans Zimmer’s score for Inception or John Williams’ work on the Star Wars franchise. But for every well-known movie soundtrack, there are dozens that go unnoticed and unappreciated. In this post, we’ll explore the underrated art of movie soundtracks and why they deserve our attention.

Setting the Mood

One of the primary functions of a movie soundtrack is to set the mood for each scene. It can help create suspense, joy, sadness, or any other emotion that the director wants to convey. The right music can intensify the impact of a scene, making it more memorable.

For example, think of the iconic shower scene in Psycho. The shrieking violins used in the scene are unforgettable, and they’ve become a cultural touchstone. The music sets the tone for the entire movie and elevates the tension in the scene to new heights.

Another great example is the soundtrack for Jaws. The music is so iconic that even people who haven’t seen the movie recognize it. The ominous two-note melody builds tension and dread throughout the film, creating a sense of impending doom.

Character Development

Movie soundtracks can also be used to develop characters. The right music can tell us a lot about a character’s personality, motivations, and emotional state.

For instance, the soundtrack for Garden State is full of moody, introspective indie rock songs. This music helps enhance the feeling of melancholy that permeates the film, and it also gives us a sense of who the main character, Andrew, is.

Similarly, the soundtrack for The Social Network, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, is full of glitchy, electronic beats that mirror the cold, calculating personality of the film’s main character, Mark Zuckerberg.

Creating a Sense of Place

Movie soundtracks can also transport us to different places and times. The right music can make us feel like we’re in a specific location, even if it’s never shown on screen.

For example, the soundtrack for Amélie, composed by Yann Tiersen, is full of accordion and piano music that evokes the small, whimsical world of Paris in the early 2000s. Similarly, the soundtrack for The Revenant, composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto, features ambient and experimental music that transports us to the harsh, untamed wilderness of 19th-century America.

Conclusion

In conclusion, movie soundtracks are an underrated and underappreciated aspect of filmmaking. They can add depth, emotion, and atmosphere to a movie, creating a multidimensional experience for the audience. Whether it’s setting the mood, developing characters, or creating a sense of place, movie soundtracks are an essential part of the filmmaking process. So, the next time you’re watching a movie, pay a little more attention to the music – it just might surprise you.

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