Cine Tv is running a contest at the moment which asks us to write about our favourite film scores.
@cinetv/cine-tv-contest-27-favorite-movie-score-or-soundtrack
It's not an easy task picking a favourite film score, so many out their are masterpieces in their own unique way, complimenting each film they accompany in ways no other piece of music could. This fine combination is usually enough to bolster a film, or one particular scene turning it into an iconic piece of film history.
One song that comes to mind, is Stuck in the middle with you, during the torture scene in Reservoir Dogs, or Where Is My Mind, while the buildings are blown up in Fight Club. Scenes like these and many others like them are completely lifted by these musical choices, but an entire score is different. The all encompassing sound track to a film or trilogy.
I think for me, I would have to go with the score of Star Wars, the original film and if it were allowed, the original trilogy and if I'm allowed to go one step further I would say the entire Saga, as the prequel trilogy gave us some amazing pieces of music too.
Why This Score
For me, when I was a child and was first exposed to these amazing films, I watched them religiously. As I grew up I realised why, the films are complete musicals. Which is evident by how easy it is to get lost in scenes from these movies while being transported to a galaxy far far away... The score I think is the vehicle that helps us take this journey.
I can hardly put into words how well the composer John Williams done with these films, each location feels different accompanied by unique pieces of music, every interaction the characters have during the course of the films also has a unique sound.
Whenever the force is used a key piece of music plays and throughout the course of the films you are subtly told what is happening, if there is a romantic encounter the same thing happens.
The Empires Theme
Here is the first scene with Darth Vader, as he and his army of Stormtroopers breach and board the Rebel ship, the Tantive V. The music playing during this battle is the "Imperial Attack" Which plays during battles or other heavy action scenes.
Here is the song, which plays during the opening and pursuit of the Rebel ship as it is being attacked by the Imperials. It is fitting because it fills us with wonder, as well as being slightly chaotic. But, it ranges in tone and sound depending on who's on screen.
When Vader appears the score sinks, replaced with heavy brass. But, the same song changes once more when Princess Leigha is introduced, now the sound is softer, utilizing string instruments for this effect. With these audio choices we know who the good characters are and who the bad characters are without being told.
Here is another scene that helps to demonstrate the power of the Empire. This song usually accompanies Darth Vader and is used mainly when the Empire is shown on screen with a dominating presence, either, by the sheer amount of ships, or ground forces they have. The song has a very regimented and mechanical sound which is fitting for the technically sophisticated Imperial army.
It fits Darth Vader, as he is one of the most intimidating baddies in cinema history. Subtly, when Vader dies at the end of the final movie, the same tune comes in again. This time it is far softer and the melody is there, but it has almost become peaceful. Following the feeling of the character and portraying to the audience what has happened without speaking. Which is exactly what a score should do.
It is lighter, softer and I think helps to show the vulnerability of Darth Vader, in his final moments.
The Rebels Theme
The Rebels aren't as technically sophisticated as the Empire, instead they have to survive and fight using ramshackled ships from a plethora of different worlds. One thing they have in spades though, is hope.
Which I think the score that follows this scene really helps to convey. This scene has everything. It is a true battle, not only based on what's happening on screen, but listen to the music. The two themes are also fighting, merging from the Rebels Hopeful Theme and the Imperials Mechanical Theme. It works so well to really make this whole scene a spectacle, everything in the film has lead to this point and at times we are left wondering if the Rebels will win this battle. But, one thing which is important too, is that the composer isn't afraid of leaving sections with no score, or ambient sound, which when brought back in it emphasizes certain moments within the scene.
By time the end of this scene comes, we are almost holding our breath in anticipation.
Conveying A Feeling To The Audience
Without thinking you are picking up on feelings when listening to a good score, nine times out of ten you wouldn't be able to pick these slight occurrences up on a first watch. But the subconscious thought is there.
Star Wars does this effortlessly, I watched A New Hope recently and it had been awhile since watching it. But, even though I have seen the film countless times before, I was on the edge of my seat. Even today nearly 45 years later the film still, not only stands up. But, it also stands out as being an amazing story, brought to life with a talented group of individuals, both behind and in front of the camera and I honestly believe that it wouldn't have gotten half of the praise or fandom it has today without the perfectly suited score that knew when to hit hard, and when to let us breath.