Movies are a beautiful combination of visuals and sound, and one of the key elements that make them even more impactful is music. For us, as movie lovers or creators, it's crucial to understand how music influences the entire cinematic experience.

In this article, we'll explore the five major ways music enhances a film. Let's dive in and discover why music isn't just an accessory, but an essential part of filmmaking!

1. Setting the Atmosphere

Music can create a particular mood or atmosphere for the entire movie or for specific scenes, adding depth to the visuals and increasing the emotional impact. It's not just about repeating what's happening on screen but adding layers to enhance the setting. From time period to location and even emotional state, music can truly transform how we experience the environment of a film.

For instance, in the film Old Stories of the South of the City, the music creates an atmosphere that reflects the nostalgic and bittersweet mood of the protagonist's memories of Beijing in the 1930s. The composer carefully selected the song Farewell from that time and arranged it with a small ensemble of strings and traditional Chinese instruments, perfectly matching the themes of longing and farewell.

2. Revealing the Characters' Inner Emotions

Music has the power to express a character's internal world in ways that visuals alone cannot. It can capture feelings that are too complex or subtle for words. Whether it's joy, sorrow, fear, or excitement, music helps portray these emotions in a way that speaks directly to our hearts.

3. Connecting Different Scenes

One of the most remarkable abilities of music in film is its power to link disparate scenes together, creating a cohesive narrative flow. Music can act as a bridge, turning seemingly unrelated moments into a unified experience. For example, in The Phoenix String, several short scenes of different events are seamlessly connected by the sounds of a flute and harmonica playing the national anthem. These transitions, supported by music, make the film feel more natural and immersive.

4. Commenting on the Story

In addition to supporting the narrative, music can also comment on the events unfolding in a film. It can subtly guide our perception, offering a critique or emphasizing the emotional weight of a scene. When we listen to the music, it's almost like the composer is silently sharing their opinion on what's happening.

5. Deepening the Movie's Core Message

Every film has a core message, and music plays a crucial role in reinforcing that message. Whether it's the triumph of the human spirit or the struggle for freedom, the right music will underline the film's themes. Often, movies feature recurring themes or motifs that echo throughout, building on the story's emotional depth.

In The Mid-life Crisis, the composer uses a recurring melody throughout the film that ties the protagonist's internal struggles and growth into the larger theme of personal transformation. This theme draws us deeper into the character's journey and leaves a lasting impression long after the movie ends.

In conclusion, music in films is much more than just an accompaniment to the visuals. It helps set the tone, develops characters, and amplifies the emotional and thematic elements of the story. As Lykkers, the next time you watch a movie, pay attention to the music and how it elevates the experience—it might just change the way you see films forever!