1. An Introduction to Music in Movies

2. Historical Background: Early Movies
1889
Thomas Edison invented the Kinetoscope
Film was turned with a crank
Called the “peep show” because only one person at a time could watch

3. Historical Background continued…
1896
Edison invented the Vitascope
This machine could project the image onto a wall
Subjects included:
circus acts
dances
boxing bouts
comic scenes
snippets of this and that

4. Historical Background continued…
1903
Edwin Porter produced and directed The Great Train Robbery
11 minute long complete story
First successful Western
Beginning of film as an art form

5. Historical Background continued…
1927
The Vitaphone was invented and the first talking film The Jazz Singer.
Now sound and film can be synchronized, although it used two separate machines that had to be coordinated.
It wasn’t until 1933 that we could have both talking and musical background in a film – made possible by a soundtrack which was a strip on the actual film.

6. Early Movies & Music
A piano was housed in the theatre and someone would play music to accompany the action and mood on the screen.
The individual who was hired to play often made the music up on the spot, depending on what was happening on screen.
In 1915, the premiere of The Birth of A Nation used the first symphony orchestra as accompaniment for the movie.
During the 1920’s scoring music for film became standard practice.
In 1924, a music book called Motion Picture Moods for Pianists and Organists was compiled by Erno Rapee.

7. Characteristics – Movie Music
Background music
Sets the basic mood
Enhances and intensifies the drama
Provides continuity
Helps establish character
Gives emotional insight
Explain any words that students do not understand.

8. Background Music This music happens off the screen
It can be pop music from the period of the movie.
For example, it might be the music playing at a party or in a club.

9. Setting the Mood//Enhancing the Drama
Music helps to set the time and the place and the feeling.
It shows the viewer the essence of the film. It lets the viewer know that they “get” the message.
It evokes a sense of culture.
Music should be a part of the whole, without the viewer being aware of it.
Music is used to enhance the action in a movie.
In a scary movie, you can tell when something bad is going to happen by listening to the music.
It triggers anticipation, emotional reactions, heightens suspense, and reinforces climactic moments.

10. Provides Continuity
Music helps to connect parts of the movie together.
Music that recurs throughout the movie helps the viewer view the film as a whole.
The style in the music remains consistent.
Give example of Wagner opera using motifs. John Williams and others use these in movies consistently.

11. Establishes Character
Music may establish character.
Musical themes are repeated to recall important associations.
In the movie Superman (playing), the theme tells us that the hero is strong, tough, and one of the good guys.
The music may be used throughout the film to let us know that help is on the way and to announce the entrance of our hero.
Ask for examples from students.

12. Psychological Insight
Music complements the onscreen action and reinforces the emotional impact of a scene or film.
In Schindler’s List, the haunting theme is used to heighten a sense of sadness and anguish for those lost during the Holocaust and expresses the grief of Oscar Schindler and his friends that more could not have been done to help save more Jews.
Talk about emotions. Why do people cry at movies, or root for the hero, or yell at characters to leave a dangerous area?

13. Movie Composer Attributes
Movie composers have special talents.
In addition to writing music, they have to make the music fit seamlessly.
On top of that, they usually conduct the orchestra while recording the score. The music must fit the scene and be timed perfectly.
Talk about the process of composing. Generate some discussion.
(John Williams conducting.)

14. John Williams (b.1932) Composed music for almost 80 feature films
Orchestral conductor and composer
Steven Spielberg’s composer of choice
Web page address
Point out the web address at bottom for those who want to find out more about John Williams.

15. John Williams Movies(Selected)
Star Wars (all)
Indiana Jones (all)
Harry Potter (all)
E.T.
Jaws
Schindler’s List
Jurassic Park
Superman
The Patriot
(How many have you seen?)
How many have you seen?

16. More John Williams Movies
Saving Private Ryan
The Terminal
A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)
Angela’s Ashes
Stepmom
Hook
Sleepers
Home Alone
Close Encounters

17. John Williams Awards
Has won 5 Academy Awards, 4 for best original score, including Jaws, Star Wars, E.T., and Schindler’s List
43 total Academy Award nominations
18 Grammys Awards and 52 total nominations
3 Golden Globes and 18 total nominations
2 Emmy Awards and 5 total nominations.
Williams Receives Academy Award

18. More Great Movie Composers
Elmer Bernstein
Bernard Herrmann
Michael Kamen
Alan Silvestri
Jerry Goldsmith
Danny Elfman
Hans Zimmer
James Horner
Trevor Rabin
Trevor Jones
Howard Shore
James Newton Howard
Henry Mancini
John Barry
Rachel Portman
Thomas Newman
Randy Newman
Mark Isham
Marc Shaiman
Playing: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves by Michael Kamen

19. Good Movie Information Sites
The Internet Movie Database, contains hundreds of links and info on movies, composers, and more.
Film Music Society, Composer Links
Dmoz Open Source Database Project dmoz.org/Arts/Music/Movies/Composers/
Good references of a general nature. Specific composer sites offer more in depth information. Look up composer’s name for more details.

20. References:
Amazon.com (2005). Retrieved February 4, 2005 from
Fowler, C. (1994). Music: Its Role and Importance in Our Lives, Chap. 21, pp Glencoe McGraw-Hill, Woodland Hills, California.
Internet Movie Database (2005). Retrieved January 25, 2005 from
JohnWilliams.org (2005). Retrieved February 6, 2005 from
John Williams Collection (2005). Retrieved February 15, from
Kamen, M. (1991). Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Soundtrack. Time Warner Company. Burbank, California.
MichaelKamen.com (2005). Retrieved February 7, 2005 from
MovieMusic.com (2005). Retrieved February 15, 2005 from
Newman, A. (1977). Spectacular World of Classic Film Scores. RCA Victor/BMG Music. New York, N.Y.
PhillyDance.com (2005). Retrieved February 16, 2005 from
Williams, J. (1999). John Williams Greatest Hits. Sony Classics. Toronto, Ontario.