Film Music

If you're a fan of movies, as well as music, you have probably realized the amazing effect the film scores have on the films. However, have you ever analyzed why it contributes so much to it? I wanted to dig a little deeper, and put this knowledge to one of my favorite movie series, <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>. Looking into the facts on film music, I'd like to analyze Roy A. Prendergast's article, "The Aesthetics of Film Music", where he compares two different observations made on what makes film music important, or lack thereof. On one side, music can be used to make a sense of "color" to the movie, creating raw emotion in the dramatic aspects of the music. There are criticisms that say that this is too simple, but the truth is, there is "color" within the music of films, because it has to be dramatic in order for it to be noticed enough to make an impact. Musical color is the term for this observation, and there are several techniques to it. The main one, I find to be most general, is to "use musical material indigenous to the locale of the film", or in other words, use western music for western films, use pirate-themed music for pirate-themed films. Also, this is based on who the typical audience is. In the example within the article, they explain how the composer is not going to write authentic oriental music in a  1940's or 30's western film, because the western audience will not understand the true authentic music, thus having little dramatic effect for them. The most significant use for film scores is the psychological effect it has on the audience; the music can be a predisposition for certain characters or events to happen in the film. This can be a subtle effect, but it has much more impact than we realize, because depending on what the subject of the film the music is going to help focus in on, it can change the way we see it. Some critics believe that novels (film based) are of no comparison to the films, because the audience cannot truly see the thoughts and feelings of the characters. However, film music is the imagination and perception booster for this very reason; the music can expand the character's persona, and "can have the insight into different aspects of behavior and motivation not possible under the aegis of naturalism". And, of course, film music can have the sense of "filling in the background", providing continuity, and creating the feeling of finality of the film. In other words, music helps the film be great and move along to the basis that it is shown to the public. Without music, the films would be difficult to watch, and probably boring.                                                                                                                                                           Not to drag on too much, but now how to contribute this theoretical perspective! In <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>, Howard Shore is the composer of the film scores, and uses the music to create motifs (constant symbols created throughout the film) with characters and scenes. For example, when you see BagEnd, or the hobbits happily strolling or enjoying themselves, he uses the song "Concerning Hobbits", as you will hear. It is a wonderful song-- it provides great visualization of the beautiful green hills and hobbit houses; vast lands with bright blue skies with running waters and butterflies fluttering through the air. These descriptions prove that the music has had an impact on the audience (me). In another example, the elves are provided with dark and mysterious ethereal music to convey a sense of intrigue and beauty.                                                                                                                       I hope this has provided some insight for when you watch movies, and even more appreciation for the music they  put into them! http://web.archive.org/web/19970516041845/http://citd.scar.utoronto.ca/VPAB93/course/readings/prenderg.html