I have chosen to look at the opening scenes of three different films as I feel as though short, three minute dramas are rather similar to the beginning of films, any short drama has potential to develop into a longer feature length film. I would like to look at whether the soundtrack at the beginning of a film is full of lots of music and sound effects and whether it seems like it would be more dramatic than the sound track for the rest of the film.. I will take influence of the soundtracks for opening scenes for my short three minute film to create as much of an interested for the audience as I can.
Jaws opening scene
Who created the soundtrack?
John Williams
What genre of music is used?
I get a classical vibe from the soundtrack of Jaws in the intense shark scenes. Parts of it sound quite mysterious and intense when all of the instruments gradually come in. If pop music was used then you wouldn't feel as though something scary was about to happen.
Does the soundtrack change depending on the action or character?
Yes and I think this is a key part of the film. Whenever there is a shark scene, we don't actually see the shark but we know it's coming because of the traditional, tense Jaws music. It becomes a reoccurring theme throughout the film but it still makes the audience feel scared about what's coming up.
How does the soundtrack compliment what we see?
The soundtrack somewhat compliments what we don't see as, like I said above, even though we don't see Jaws, the music tells the audience that we must be scared. If the music was upbeat and happy and we saw a swimmer swimming in the sea, we would take the scene in a completely different way, we'd just see someone having fun in the sea.
What techniques/ideas can I take into my production?
From this scene I have learnt that I can make same scene be portrayed in completely different ways by changing the soundtrack from something upbeat to something tense. After I have filmed the scene I would like to experiment by putting two contrasting soundtracks and seeing which one works best with the film.
Divergent opening scene
Who created the soundtrack?
Junkie XL and Hans Zimmer
What genre of music is used?
There is quite a lot of heavy music used throughout the film especially when there are fighting and battle scenes, but the majority of the soundtrack is slightly alternative pop. Ellie Goulding recorded a track especially for the film and she is in the 'alternative pop' genre. Most of the other music used compliments this style.
Does the soundtrack change depending on the action or character?
Focusing on the character of Tris, she begins the film as an innocent and somewhat weak, typical female. So the music used when she is on screen is mellow and sweet, you hear birds singing and near the beginning you can pick up a feeling of fear. As the film goes on, Tris develops into a brave character who is strong and she fights and has to tackle tough situations. As she changes into he 'new' character, the music is more fast pace, the beat of the drum is heavier and the climax of the songs are more powerful, showing her success.
How does the soundtrack compliment what we see?
In the scene above, we see the scene being set. There are vast fields and country land but also extremely tall threatening fences that shut the town away. The town looks empty and derelict, but peaceful. However, although the music is calm, gentle and peaceful, it has an eery and mysterious tone that is slightly off key, suggesting that the town isn't empty and peaceful and that it's actually empty because of a reason that may not be a good reason.
What techniques/ideas can I take into my production?
I like the eery tones in the score of this film, it adds a sense of mystery and leaves the audience questioning a deeper meaning behind what first meets the eye. I also like how a popular singer, Ellie Goulding, has recorded a track for the film. If I could get an instrumental from a popular song to use in my film I think it would interest the audience.
The Chronicles of Narnia opening scene
Who created the soundtrack?
Harry Gregson-Williams
What genre of music is used?
Classical. Most of the music is orchestral which is fitting with the time period that the film is set in, which is war time. If the music was pop or heavy then it wouldn't relate to the image we see. Classical music and the use of an orchestra is a good way of building up the soundtrack.
Does the soundtrack change depending on the action or character?
Very much so, there are a lot of very different characters in this film so it's a perfect opportunity to experiment with the soundtrack. The children are innocent and vulnerable so the soundtrack has a sense of gentleness and mystery when they are present. The snow queen is manipulative so the soundtrack for her is sharp and quick. Mr Tumnus is a gentle and friendly so the soundtrack used for him is quick but friendly, in a welcoming and happy way. There is a lot of mystery in the soundtrack as the film is set in a magical world, but there are also some strong battle scenes where the music becomes louder and more powerful to build up to the climax of people winning and losing the battles.
How does the soundtrack compliment what we see?
In the scene above, the sound of the sirens are heightened which emphasizes the fear that is scene portrays. For children, the sirens of an air raid probably do seem worse than they are, so I get the feeling that the creators of the film wanted us to experience it from the children's perspective so that we know that the film is based around the children rather than the adults.
What techniques/ideas can I take into my production?
I want to make sure that the soundtrack reflects and separates the different characters from each other to give them more depth. Also, for the more dramatic scenes I want to make sure I use music to build up to them as much as possible.
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