Nemo: The Role Of Music In Horror Films

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This develops the narrative as Nemo is the centre and heart of the film and the plot revolves around his existence an d his disappearance. Another scene where the cinematography displays it’s importance is in the sequence where Dory and Marlin are dodging their way through a multitude of jellyfish, whilst the couple continue being playful Dory is eventually stung. The lighting becomes dark as Marlin frantically searches for Dory and finds her slowing sinking towards the bottom of the sea. The dark lighting is an important aspect within the narrative as it portrays the hardships that Dory and Marlin experience in order to find Nemo, another aspect which further illustrates this point is the close up shot of Dory’s new scar, which is combined …show more content…

However is music more important in particular genres than others? One film genre, which always requires a good score more than any other, is found within the horror genre “A good horror movie isn’t a good horror movie without a good original score. We’re talking about music that adds depth of feeling” (Will Kriegshauser, April 20th 2011. www.screencrave.com) Many argue that music plays a key role in horror films because it immediately sets the tone. Whilst this opinion is predominantly valid, it can be disputed as music sets the tone for any genre of film, it is principally important for the horror genre as it creates tension, drama and foreshadows unforeseen/unfortunate events. Within the horror genre, music tends to be louder, more dramatic and follows the distinct conventions (Violins within Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ and Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ and the increase in volume within dramatic scenes.) The shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ uses screeching violins to foreshadow the forthcoming horror, which is brought to Marion. The repetitive tune reaches a crescendo as Norman Bates stabs Marion to death. The track was voted the scariest movie theme tune due to its accompaniment with the horrifying scene “What makes the difference between an average horror and a classic is clearly the film score, without which the movie would just not have the same effect." (Ellis Rich in …show more content…

However, Cohen (1999) described eight functions of music in a film. First, music masks extraneous noises. Secondly, it provides continuity between shots. Thirdly, it directs attention to important features of the screen through a structural congruence. Fourth, when it is not associated with a particular focus it induces mood. Fifth, it communicates meaning and develops the narrative, especially in ambiguous situations. Six is through association, seven is heightened sense of reality and finally eight is adding to the aesthetic of the film. Within my Extended Project Qualification, I decided to look into great depth at how music communicates meaning, develops narrative and how it induces mood. However, throughout my research I have in addition, discovered many other aspects in which music applies itself into film and its general meaning. Writer Kathryn Kalinik claims “Music typically plays an integral role within film” and that ‘music is the most efficient code’ for emotional expression within film (Kalinik, Kathryn, 2010, ‘Film Music: A Very Short Introduction’ Oxford University Press) Kalinik Further addresses my initial viewpoint on the importance of film music and the impact it

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