The famous Star Wars is a movie from the epic space film series directed by George Lucas premiered in 1977. Since there are multiple Star Wars movies in the series, this paper will be focusing on the first movie of the series called Star Wars: A New Hope.
In this film, John Williams revived the technique of using leitmotif –a recurring musical theme or melody associated with a particular person, place, object, or idea that is “characterized by a single harmonic or rhythmic trait” (Brown 15). In films, leitmotifs are melodies or musical phrases inserted into a specific character’s music background specified. It was originally developed by Richard Wagner and commonly used in his¬¬ operas during the Golden Age. These are used by film music composers
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It symbolizes the coming-of-age theme as the main focus. Williams composed this leitmotif for Luke Skywalker to reflect his own interpretation of the character’s “brassy, bold, masculine, and noble qualities” (Lerner 99). Most composers connote masculinity through the use of “the martial duple rhythms, the trumpet timbres for the melody and the leaping, disjunct quality of the melody’s shape”. This technique is a very effective way of portraying masculinity in the audience’s observation because it could be compared to other masculine music, found in other forms such as military marches. Even though his leitmotif initiated the movie showing his character’s importance, the leitmotif suddenly decline to a more subtle level as it becomes the most developed theme in the film. For example, when Luke Skywalker surfaced in his first scene in Tatooine—his home, the melody is “carried by French horns, the tempo dropped to a slower speed and rhythmically smoother” which portrays the quality of innocence (Rooney). As his journey goes on, his leitmotif is heard in different forms as it continues to develop. Later on, the same feeling from the opening theme is reverted back when Skywalker rescued and kissed Princess Leia as they escape from the Imperial troopers. In this scene, the melody changes back to the use of trumpets that portrays a triumphant tone in which Skywalker’s true …show more content…
Darth Vader’s leitmotif is known as “The Imperial March”. ¬¬¬In contrast to Skywalker’s theme, the Imperial March appears to be more “rigid, ponderous, and above all unnatural” (Buhler 48). Williams portrayed the “evil” characters—the antagonists (e.g. Darth Vader)—through the use of “shifting tonality and chromaticism”. Because of the abundant use of tonic chords, the theme cannot be developed which contrasts Skywalker’s theme. Throughout several scenes with the appearance of the Empire or Darth Vader, the leitmotif remains the same which shows no progress or development within the characters whatsoever. This suggests the Empire’s incapability of improvement or destiny for either ultimate success or ultimate failure. However, this rigid quality is only a part of Darth Vader’s leitmotif. His musical characterization also relies on sound effects, and his breathing and mechanical speech (Rooney). In a way, the use of sound effects highlights Darth Vader’s estrangement with the other characters in the film. Additionally, James Buhler—a professor of music theory—states how Darth Vader’s character is emphasized through the use of technology: “what is frightening about Vader is the way everything that is organic and human about him is masked by technology without completely destroying the sense that something is alive in there” (Buhler 41). Therefore, Darth
The Star Wars Films are a great series of trilogies made by Lucasfilm, and thought up by George Walton Lucas. The original Star Wars films are some of the most well known known movies ever made. Until George Lucas retired and sold Star Wars to Disney for 4 billion dollars. But Disney had almost no experience making good sci-fi movies.
In his article titled, “Star Wars and the Roman Empire,” Martin M. Winkler writes on Lucas’ trilogy and compares the storylines in the films to the Roman empire while placing focus on the similarities
Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is considered one of his darkest and most powerful tragedies. Set in Scotland, the play dramatizes the corrosive psychological and political effects produced when evil is chosen as a way to fulfil the ambition for power.The play is believed to have been written between 1603 and 1607, and is most commonly dated 1606. It is a timeless classic and its themes resonate within some of the most common movies and books of modern times. Star Wars is an American epic space opera franchise centered on a film series created by George Lucas. The film series, consisting of two trilogies, has spawned an extensive media franchise called the Expanded Universe including books, television series, computer and video games, and comic books. The franchise depicts a galaxy described as far, far away in the distant past, and it commonly portrays Jedi as a representation of good, in conflict with the Sith, their evil counterpart. Their weapon of choice, the lightsaber, is commonly recognized in popular culture. It is arguably a cinematic masterpiece, holding in rank two of possibly the greatest trilogies the world has ever seen. It is a timeless epic which embodies within it an allegory for the history of the world; the rise and fall of empires and their emperors; the pursuit of power; the melting pot of cultures; the struggle for survival; the advancement of human technology; and most importantly as a whole, the history of humanity. Steven D. Graynus declared, “Ultimately, what the Star Wars films offer is….rousing storytelling suffused by themes of moral struggle and transcendence” (Decent Films Guide). The franchise's storylines contain many themes, with strong influences from philosophy and religio...
Far off in a distant galaxy an infamous story would begin, A New Hope. This episode is the one that began it all and lead to one of the most influential sagas of all time. Opening with the beautiful rebel leader Princess Leia, her ship undergoes direct attack from the known and feared villain, Darth Vader. He orders his troops to look about for important documents, meanwhile Leia says her famous message into R2-D2, a droid unit “Hel...
Star Wars A New Hope (1977) follows the American trend of political ideas that maintains America united by having someone being the bad guy hence, Darth Vador. In Star Wars Darth Vador is not a villain but rather more complex he is a leader, a powerful figure, and a threat that is very relatable to Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. All and all, Star Wars present a positive cultural message towards their audiences thus, inspiring new hopes for the younger generation of the 70’s.
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, composed by the legendary Ludwig van Beethoven, is one of the most famous orchestral musical compositions done by the German-born composer. The symphony is broken down into four movements. The symphony has such a profound effect on so many people because of its use drama by introducing sudden and powerful chords which quickly grabs the audience’s attention as well as creating a variety of musical ideas through his use of excitement by way of fast and slow tempos. The first movement, Allegro con brio, which utilizes the Sonata form, contains an opening sequence or Exposition, which initially compels my attention during its first 6 seconds due to its powerful entry and introduction of the basic four-note motive (short-short-short-long) of the piece. The quick repetition in a lower step using strings in unison keeps me engaged due to its energy, as it sort of
For this essay I will be looking at the work of Hans Zimmer to discuss how music in film engages the viewer and evokes emotion and pulls the viewer toward the film. Hans Zimmer is a German born music composer. Hans Zimmer’s love of music stems from his childhood when he learned how to play various instruments. Before Zimmer began composing music for films he was in a well-known band. The band was called The Buggles whom were famous for their song Video Killed the Radio Star. After the Buggles Zimmer played in other bands but never had another hit. As Zimmer has progressed as a film composer so has his list of nominations and awards. Zimmer has won 4 Grammy Awards and 2 Golden Globes and many more for his outstanding film scores. The reason I chose to write this essay on Zimmer was that his genres and music score are extremely versatile ranging from animations to comedy to dark thrillers. This is important to highlight as it shows Zimmer can create almost any atmosphere with his music whether it be sad or creating tension that all cause us to engage with the film. Zimmer's use of themes and introduction of different instruments allowed him to create these wonderful engaging film score. In this essay I will look at three films by Hans Zimmer these are The Holiday Rush and Rain Man.
...ers and the audience. The dramatic nature of this piece alone is something to be reckoned with as it is extremely passionate. The symphony is presented in 4 movements as is common and begins with a Poco Sostenuto- Vivace, followed by a Allegretto movement, Presto movement, and finally ends on an Allegro con brio movement. the central theme of this piece is introduced in the first movement by a flute playing in tripple meter continuously ascending up the scales rising in dynamic contrast, continuing to grow into a louder and more stark contrast between it’s highs and lows. Consistently dance like, the piece is celebratory of its roots buried in historical Austrian music that has been present in the culture for years. The accomplishments of the soldiers for which the piece was composed for are easily told of simply by the energy and power present throughout the piece.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is part of the very popular “Star Wars” movie series and it is the 7th and latest installment of the franchise. “The Force Awakens” was one of the most awaited movies of 2015, it broke box office records, and the movie also relates to myself in a sentimental and emotional way. The first “Star Wars” movie was launched all the way back in 1977. “Star Wars: A New Hope” was directed by the creator of the series himself, George Lucas.
Star Wars: A New Hope. Dir. George Lucas. Perf. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford Carrie Fisher. DVD. Twentieth Century Fox, 2006.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Screenplay & Dir. George Lucas. Lucasfilm & Twentieth Century Fox, 1977. Film
Quite possibly one of the most iconic openings in cinematic history is “A Long time ago in a galaxy far far away.” Of course, I am referring to Star Wars. It is such a fascinating and great movie going experience. There have been a total of seven Star Wars films, but in this essay I am going to be focusing on Star Wars: Episode 3- Revenge of the Sith. This film was written and directed by George Lucas and of the science fiction genre. Revenge of the Sith was released in theaters on May 19, 2005.
Star Wars (1977) is one of the world’s most successful films of all time. It has made a terrific impact on popular culture since its release. Furthermore, Star Wars changed the narrative and aesthetic style of future Hollywood films. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, illustrates how cinema has evolved since Fred Ott’s Sneeze (1894). Ultimately, this essay will explain the set up of Star Wars and how it connects to cinema history, in the point of views of the: narrative and cinematic style, genre, auteur theory and the global film industry.
The music accompaniment to this piece comes from one or two pianos which work in almost perfect collaboration with the dance so that neither one overshadows the other. While no other instruments are used, the melody of the piano changes from scene to scene in order to depict Jooss’ emotional responses. During the scenes with the politicians, the air of the piano is light-hearted and almost comedic. The purpose of this was to show the detachment of these men from the war. They are in a safe situation, unexposed to war and death. When the scene changes and we see what’s happening in the lives of citizens, this vaudeville-like tune is transformed into a thunderous and eerie song that haunts the audience. The reason for this change is to reveal Jooss’ feelings about the unnecessary brutality and death that always comes with a war, and how politicians don’t understand the horror of it.
There are thousands of movie composers in the music industry, a few who triumph and whose work is well known to almost half of the world. One example of that can be the famous Maestro John Williams. John Williams is the musician for Jaws, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, E.T and lots more. But there is a piece which everyone recognizes, and that is the theme from the movie Jaws. Imagine Jaws without the music. People would not feel scared; they would laugh at the plastic shark. And that is why music is one of the most important elements in cinema. John Williams in a late interview said this: “The music is part of a whole, which if I try as a composer to take that part of the whole, like in a concerto. I would not succeed, because the attention would go only for the music and not for the picture” (John Williams Interview). In Jaws, the music blends with the picture and acting; there are no imbalances. The picture and the music need to be in perfect harmony. Therefore, in Jaws, every time the daring melody comes out; the audience knows something bad is going to happen, and the music may anticipate a particular situation, but without the music overpowering the actors and sound effects.