As well as immersing myself in the warming world of music, I love nothing more than relaxing on the sofa with a great movie! I have an extremely eclectic music taste, and movies are no different! Movies are like music, they are a visual representation of our mood. Sometimes I want to watch a movie that grips me, has me on the edge of my seat or possibly even reaching out for a cushion (I adore horror movies, but there are a few that do
not agree with me). Whilst other times I want an effortless watch where I don’t have to think about the plot, I can literally veg out and watch the pleasing colours on the screen (Usually something family-friendly from the likes of Walt Disney or Dreamworks).
Whether we realise it or not soundtracks are now an integral part of our cinematic experience. Imagine films like “Star Wars”, “Jaws” or “Indiana Jones” without the iconic scores?
The music adds anticipation, brings forward the tension and heightens your senses. Music is no longer just a simple background to a visual, it has become an impressive instrument in enhancing the storyline.
Over recent years movie soundtracks have become increasingly popular with record and music collectors alike. Come on, admit it, who wouldn't want the soundtrack to their favourite film in their record collection? (Yes, I hold my hand up, I do have a few).
The significance of the soundtrack has often been overlooked, but like a director who orchestrates each movie scene meticulously, the music shapes the atmosphere and elevates the narrative, adding a greater depth than the visuals could achieve alone.
Music in films has transformed considerably over the years. If we venture back to silent movies, music would have to be added with live musicians providing accompaniment in the actual theatre. This created the first, almost primitive “soundtrack”. The dimension of movies changed completely with the addition of pre-recorded orchestras, and silent movies started to decline between 1928 and 1930. The first feature-length film to incorporate sound as dialogue sequences was released by Warner Bros in 1927 and called “The Jazz Singer”, then in 1928 the first all-talking movie “Lights of New York” was released. Music became an essential part of the cinematic experience, allowing the composers to produce theatrical melodies to magnify the mood of the movie.
During the 1960’s and 70’s popular mainstream music entered the scene, this was a massive turning point for motion pictures. “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease” fuelled the revolution, the soundtracks to the movies were just as much of a hit as the movies themselves. (According to 247wallst “Saturday Night Fever” occupied top position on the billboard 200 for 24 weeks). Over the next few decades, this evolved further from original scores & popular hits to complete albums being created for a movie.
This transformation allowed for a wider, and more diverse audience.
This harmonious evolution proves that music is a universal language of it’s own. It is an ever-growing form of art, that continues to capture our imaginations, whilst firmly embedding itself in our hearts. Soundtracks are no longer confined to the silver screen, they have now entered the Global music charts. With blockbuster movies such as “Titanic”, “Frozen” and “The Greatest Showman”, music and motion pictures are forever entwined. “Titanic” was the highest-grossing movie of all time for 12 years between 1998 and 2010, and “My Heart Will Go On” had chart sales in excess of 2.1 million making it one of the biggest-selling singles by a female artist of all time in the UK. (According to the officialcharts.com).
Some songs completely stole the limelight,
and will forever be known as timeless hits.
“I will always love you” sang by the late,
great Whitney Houston for the movie,
The Bodyguard. (Which spent a
record-breaking 10 weeks at UK No.1)
Or “Skyfall” sang by the hauntingly beautiful
voice of Adele for the James Bond movie of
the same name. (Which spent 14 weeks in
the top 20 in the UK).
But it's not only about the individual songs, but the albums they form part of. Each soundtrack has its own unique identity. Stirring emotions, awakening memories and leaving us with the echoing melodies that continue long after the credits have finished rolling. The future of motion picture soundtracks is bright, with a vast array of ways to obtain your favourite music, there is no sign of our hunger being suppressed. Adding to this, the commercial success of movies such as “A Star Is Born” and “La La Land” the audience is continuing to follow the soundtrack trend.
Soundtracks are now as synonymous with the Top 10 charts as all the major commercial artists. They have edged their way in gradually over recent years with the introduction of amazing musical masterpieces. From the 1990s to the 00s with Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting, Dazed and Confused and Almost Famous, to more recent years with Guardians of the Galaxy, Straight Outta Compton and Joker.
With continuing advancements in technology, there is no doubt that we have not yet seen the best music and movies have to offer. It encourages an exciting opportunity to further blur the boundaries between the two and engage us, the audience, even further than we thought possible. I believe that the future of movies holds a fully immersive experience, and will continue to be far more than purely an
accompaniment, but will continue to be an integral part of the whole storytelling process. Film music will increase it’s hold on us, captivating us, and becoming a powerful tool that amalgamates visual and audio.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my blog. Subscribe to the site to be kept up to date with any new blog content.
Comentários