Perfect cinematography is all about capturing the essence of the entire atmosphere. Creating a film goes beyond hiring the best actors. Music plays a massive role in bringing a movie to life. We remember iconic films for the brilliant songs that make them. Take one of the most excellent film Titanic’s song, ‘My Heart Will Go On.’ The theme song will always be remembered, and so will this movie. The German composer Hans Zimmer is also worth mentioning. He composed music for over 150 films, including the memorable Gladiator. Movies and music go hand in hand. One is incomplete without the other. When a film gets remembered, the music that made the film is equally credited. Whether the sound was an ethereal classic or an upbeat pop sensation, they all make a film what it is. Here are a few ways filmmakers can incorporate music in their movies.
- Well Known Singers Boost Ratings
When the audience hears a song they love and admire, they’re more inclined to watch the film as well. Take Blake Shelton recreating the iconic Kenny Loggins song Footloose. Blake’s special touch to the 80’s classic made it even more beloved. It also helps that celebrities are willing to help. All that is needed is for Directors to reach out to the relevant artists and book them. For example, if they’re looking for a country touch, they should contact the booking agent for Blake Shelton and create a new score. Audiences enjoy watching their favorite singers add charm to a potential blockbuster. If the song is well received, it will become memorable for years to come.
- Sets The Scene
The opening scene of any movie should be associated with music as it sets the mood. A lively, upbeat song depicts a happy and joyous scene. A sad tune entails a tragic scene. Some movies also use music as a humorous element. Take the film Deadpool. The directors included Juice Newton’s ‘Angel Of The Morning’ in a seemingly violent scene for a comedic touch. Music is the first interaction between the audience and the film. If the music leaves a lasting impression, the audience will buy into watching the movie. Each scene needs to have a proper composition to grasp the attention of your audience.
- Adds Personality To The Movie
You may have witnessed that when a film is transitioning, there is a need for music. If the scene is getting sadder, it’s almost like the music is weeping with the actor. If the filmmaker wants to indicate a powerful event, they may add a majestic score. These elements matter because people need to feel when they watch. Music has the power to touch us. A scene with open dialogues may not do much for the movie; therefore, a good score is necessary.
- An Element Of Suspense
When Micheal Myers enters the scene in any of the slasher film series, his theme starts playing. The audience knows something horrific is about to happen, and they’re at the edge of their seats. Music is a way of conditioning the audience of what they should expect. You’re controlling their fear, paranoia, and even controlling when they should get scared. When someone is walking down a long corridor, a silent walk does nothing to stir the audience. However, when the scene has ominous music that suddenly goes silent, it changes the audience’s dynamic. If the filmmaker wants to create compelling imagery, they need to pick the right track.
- Influences The Mood
A movie doesn’t need dialogues after dialogues. There are silent scenes where the character is having a moment. Perhaps they’re contemplating, or maybe they have an intense feeling regarding something. Music is an indicator of the highs and lows of your characters. The filmmaker can make use of musical instruments like a violin or a soft composition. Filmmakers can also add a token violin or a piano scene. When the protagonist is allowed to play an instrument, it changes the atmosphere. It can also indicate a change in the story—a turn of events or a moment of epiphany.
- Hones A Sense Of Community
When the Avengers series hit the cinema, there was an uproar in the community. When the iconic battle scenes played in a cinema, the audience would cheer and hoot at the moment. One of the contributing factors in the battle scene is the heroic battle song. The orchestra strums a feeling of heroism which everyone feels. The same applies when the audience is watching a heartwarming scene. When the audience witnesses the exact location and experiences the same feelings, they feel connected. When a sense of community washes over the audience, they’ll leave feeling refreshed and even emotional. For a filmmaker, it is the most gratifying feeling to know that they moved an audience.
- It Can Conclude A Film
A good soundtrack can bring a movie to a conclusion. No one likes watching a film that has no emotions attached to the ending. Most songs are slow and sad, indicating the severity of the scene. If a filmmaker wants a joyful ending, they can incorporate a chirpy song for its opening and the conclusion. The first and lasting impressions tell the audience what the filmmaker wanted them to feel while watching the film. Some endings can weigh heavy, and the music adds to the charm of the scene.
- Fills The Gaps
A filmmaker needs to know how to work with music. It needs to complement the dialogue and not overpower it. When a character is walking, the music should give their walk a sense of purpose. Think of it as waltzing. When the music starts, the dancers waltz to the tune. The tune and the dance go in harmony to give you a breathtaking scene. Music in films is the same. It’s a dance between body language, characters, and their dialogues. In settings where there is absolute silence, soft music in the background can change the tempo. Filmmakers have a broad palette to pick from. Their choice matters because the wrong music can make the scene go wrong. You wouldn’t want an emotional set with an upbeat metal soundtrack.
When the audience exits a movie, they want to take something from what they watched. A film is a marriage between cinematography and music. Filmmakers control every inch of a movie’s atmosphere. They can make the scene sad or even happy depending on the music they choose. Some filmmakers enjoy a comedic twist and even add iconic songs to make the scenes more hilarious. Every genre has a different song. Every song holds a different meaning. Directors introduce and end a scene with the rise and fall in music. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, there is so much you can experiment with when it comes to films and music.