The Power of Music in Film by Jack Pierce
https://youtu.be/iSkJFs7myn0?si=KV_y_pmBEhGqpBhm
Music has the power to transform how an audience perceives a scene. A single shot can take on multiple meanings depending on the soundtrack, shifting the emotional weight of a moment and altering the way characters or situations are understood.
Take hero music, for example. Often featuring uplifting orchestral sounds, brass instruments, and steady rhythms, it evokes feelings of triumph, strength, and admiration. Even an ordinary or neutral scene can feel like a heroic journey with the right score. In The Dark Knight, Hans Zimmer’s “Why So Serious?” intensifies Batman’s action sequences with rising orchestral swells and pounding drums, reinforcing his larger-than-life presence.
In contrast, villain music relies on darker tones, lower frequencies, and dissonant sounds to create unease. Slow, creeping melodies can build suspense, while fast, aggressive beats heighten a sense of danger. A neutral character can suddenly seem menacing with the right musical cue, shaping the audience’s perception before they even speak.
Sadder music often features soft piano, strings, or slow, melancholic melodies, turning a seemingly ordinary moment into something deeply emotional. A happy or neutral scene can suddenly feel filled with longing or loss. One of the most well-known examples is the montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together in Up, where Michael Giacchino’s “Married Life” takes a simple sequence and transforms it into a heartbreaking depiction of love, time, and loss.
Music can also be used in unexpected ways to create irony or humor. A cheerful, upbeat song over a tragic moment can feel darkly comedic, while placing lighthearted music in a horror scene can make it even more unsettling. This kind of contrast plays with audience expectations, adding depth to a moment or changing its meaning entirely.
A great example of this is Guardians of the Galaxy, where the film opens with Star-Lord dancing to the upbeat 70s song “Come and Get Your Love” while exploring an alien planet. This contrast between an adventurous setting and playful music adds humor, setting the film’s unique tone right from the start.
Ultimately, music is one of the most powerful tools in film. It can shape emotions, guide storytelling, and completely transform a scene without changing a single frame.
The music in my film needs to evoke nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of home. Since the story is tied to a specific seaside location, the soundtrack should reflect the feeling of childhood summers, familiar places, and the quiet passage of time.
I want the music to feel like a memory—soft, distant, and intimate. Gentle instrumentals, such as piano, acoustic guitar can create a reflective tone. A dreamy sound, similar to artists like Cigarettes After Sex, could reinforce the idea of looking back at something both personal and universal.
Because the film is set by the coast, I want to incorporate elements that connect naturally to the environment. Subtle background layers of vintage seaside sounds, like brass bands or distant radio music, could add authenticity. Light 1960s or 70s-inspired tracks, reminiscent of old holiday recordings, might also help establish the right atmosphere.
The structure of the music is equally important. The opening should feel immersive, perhaps using music playing from a radio or the hum of waves. As the film progresses, a warmer, more nostalgic sound. The closing should be quiet and subtle, allowing the audience to sit with the emotions of the scene.
Contrast is another tool I want to explore. Sometimes, an unexpected musical choice can make a scene more powerful. A bright, upbeat track over faded, grainy footage could create a bittersweet effect, while a moment of silence could heighten introspection. The right balance between music and stillness will help shape how the audience connects with the visuals.