silver screen serenade

Background music in films is often one of the most important aspects of a film. A lot of the time, the music in the background is portraying the emotions of the character and saying the words that aren’t written in the script. The music acts as an “invisible” third character, almost a narratorof sorts, that tells the viewer how to feel during a certain scene.

In my opinion, this scene from (500) Days of Summer wouldn’t be nearly as great without “Hero” by Regina Spektor playing in the background. While the acting, directing and camera work is amazing, the song is really what captures Tom’s heartbreak. The lyrics fit the scene perfectly (ex: “he never ever saw it coming at all”, “no one’s got it all”) and the haunting melody and tempo adds to the feel of the scene.

http://vimeo.com/8448267

Music also adds ambiance. Take a look at this video made by some youtuber. It’s the same scene both times, but with different music in the background, the scene transforms. In the first scene there’s suspense and build up, where in the second it sounds almost hopeful and happy. One song can change an entire scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFVhwHNDQsg

Whether you realize it or not, music makes the movie worthwhile. Without it, films would be really, really boring.

Sources:

http://hopkinscinemaddicts.typepad.com/hopkinscinemaddicts/2008/11/a-brief-discourse-on-the-importance-of-music-in-film.html

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5780533_importance-music-movies.html