Blog Post #7 - Movie Scenes Enhanced by Music

 

 

     

One of the most iconic and memorable scenes in film history is the "shower scene" in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. The scene features a screeching violin score composed by Bernard Herrmann, which creates a sense of tension and unease as the audience watches the protagonist, Marion Crane, being brutally murdered in the shower. The music effectively amplifies the horror and suspense of the scene, making it one of the most memorable and effective uses of music in film.

 

 

    Another famous scene enhanced by music is the "Ride of the Valkyries" scene in Apocalypse Now. In this scene, director Francis Ford Coppola uses the powerful music to add to the chaos and destruction of the Vietnam War. The music, composed by Richard Wagner, is played as a helicopter attack takes place, adding to the feeling of confusion, violence and destruction. The music provides a sense of grandeur, making the scene even more powerful and memorable.

 

     

    The "I'm king of the world!" scene in James Cameron's Titanic is another example of a scene enhanced by music. As the main character, Jack, stands on the bow of the ship and declares his triumph, the uplifting music composed by James Horner adds to the sense of triumph and grandeur. The music serves to amplify the character's emotions, making the scene even more powerful and emotional.

 

 

   

     The "Carpe Diem" scene in Dead Poet's Society is another example of a scene enhanced by music. The music, composed by Maurice Jarre, emphasizes the character's message of seizing the day and living life to the fullest. The inspiring music serves to amplify the character's message and make the scene more powerful and memorable.

 

    

     In conclusion, music plays an important role in film, serving to enhance the emotional impact of a scene and propel the narrative forward. The examples discussed in this essay, such as the "shower scene" in Psycho, the "Ride of the Valkyries" scene in Apocalypse Now, the "I'm king of the world!" scene in Titanic and the "Carpe Diem" scene in Dead Poet's Society, are just a few examples of how music can greatly enhance a scene and make it more powerful, memorable and emotional. Taking these movies scenes into account, I will use sound in order to amplify and emphasize the emotion throughout my project.