Music in Movies

Music in a movie is a large part of the story line. The music helps the viewer to respond or prepare themselves for a particular emotion or reaction in the plot line. For example, take Jurassic Park. The music is especially important in this ‘thriller’. In the beginning the music is intense when the dinosaurs are first introduced. This (if it is your first time) gets you to anticipate that something may happen-a guy gets eaten by the velociraptors. Then when the main characters first arrive on the island and discover the new existence of dinosaurs, their amazement is paired with a joyous ensemble. As the movie continues, the intense scenes are paired with the more intense pieces to enhance the viewer’s reactions. It also helps in leading up to a scary part. The interesting thing is that there are no lyrical pieces in the movie. It is strictly instrumental pieces. I think this is good because then there is nothing to take away from the effect the directors wish to make on the view via landscape and action. Without words it is easier to add background music to an intense scene that contains dialogue. Music definitely adds to this, and other, films.