Music in film may seem inseparable but it has allowed motion pictures to evolve even before sound was in film. Music allows motion pictures to be more than motion pictures and can evoke different emotions, themes, and wonder. Early filmmakers have also created different film techniques that revolve solely around music which can be seen today.
Continue reading to learn more about the impact of music on film.
Synchronized Music in Film
Early filmmakers seemed to envision music alongside their silent films, and one of the earliest signs is from the Kinetophone. Around 1895, Thomas Edison invented the Kinetophone which was a singular movie viewer experience that synchronized music to picture. Although it was very limited, music alongside movies seemed possible and it was a goal of filmmaking technology to achieve.
In 1927, the Jazz Singer became one of the first movies to feature synchronized dialogue and musical numbers. However, the movie also had complications of changing reels and Vitaphone discs, a separate vinyl-like audio disc, during the viewing. Music was constantly a motivation that made motion pictures evolve from silent movies to a modern audible and synchronized film experience.
Music Techniques
The movie industry continued to evolve and new techniques were quickly adopted and crafted such as movies with music synchronization. While synchronization of dialogue and music was achieved, directors turned that standard onto its head. For example, Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times features many scenes where his fumbling characters’ actions matched the intensity of the music.
It is demonstrated early in the motion picture where his character cannot stop his wrenching motions. The music chirps whenever he wrenches something outside the factory conveyor belt which adds to the comedic effect. Chaplin understood that music could be a powerful comedic and filmmaking device which continues to be used in the present day.
Film Scores
Modern directors often enlist a composer to create a musical score that can enhance a character, scene, or credits. For instance, Alan Silvestri composed the theme of the 2012 film, The Avengers which intertwined the characters with the score. In 2019, Silvestri composed the music to Avengers: Endgame where his newer score empowered the build up to the climax.
Similarly, composer John Williams enriched movies with fantasy, journey, and excitement such as the opening credits to Star Wars. His music could provide suspense and thrill during scenes like the destruction of the ‘Death Star.’ Music became a technique to fully bring motion pictures to life and strengthen the quality of a film overall.
And Scene...
Music in film used to be a fantasy but nowadays it is a crucial piece to virtually all modern motion pictures. Music has impacted motion pictures by evolving it since its infancy and allowing it to fully come to life. Additionally, several film techniques such as film scores and music synchronization can strengthen the quality and impact of a film.
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