We have an innate attraction to rhythm and melody and hold a powerful connection to music. It can evoke such strong emotions and bring forth memories that fewer other art forms or mediums can. So when it comes to movies, filmmakers know the huge impact a great soundtrack can have. It can set the tone of a scene and allow characters to convey their stories, which might be difficult to articulate through dialogue.
Nowadays, film music is starting to gain more recognition and rightfully so. A good score can elevate the whole movie experience, making it more memorable for us viewers. This acknowledgment has lead to more tributes in San Francisco, celebrating iconic soundtracks and film composers.
The Candlelight series pays tribute to all music genres, including film scores and soundtracks. Discover upcoming concerts here.
Character emotion
One of the most important functions of film music is expressing the characters’ emotions, personalities and intentions, adding depth to the characters and making them more multidimensional. After all, a movie is not a long book where authors can fully develop a character. So simply with the use of specific scores and soundtracks, audiences can immediately identify the heroes and villains, and their drives.
Rhythm and Pacing
Particularly in action movies or thrillers, filmmakers use music to give the sense of movement and action. It can be as literal as a car chase or someone making a run for it. Take the Mission Impossible franchise. Anytime you hear the “dun dun, da da, dun dun, da da” notes, you know that it is on and things are about to get exciting. It immediately warns the audience that you might even see Tom Cruise running through sand storms and busy Shanghai markets.
A Fun Film Score Fact
Did you know that the score for “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966) used actual gunshots, cracking whips, whistling and yodeling? It was written by Italian master Ennio Morricone, known for his distinctive style that in this case blended unconventional sounds with orchestral elements.
If you’re an avid movie buff, Candlelight has thought of you and brought some extra special shows to the city’s most gorgeous venues. These performances allow you to travel back to important movie moments, binge-worthy TV series and legendary video games.