Soundtracks have long been an essential part of the cinematic and television experience, influencing how audiences perceive the story, characters, and emotions on screen. Whether it’s a sweeping orchestral score, an edgy rock anthem, or a carefully chosen pop song, music in movies and TV shows has the power to elevate the narrative, evoke emotions, and even create lasting memories. Soundtracks do far more than accompany visuals—they are a storytelling device in their own right.
1. Setting the Emotional Tone
One of the most powerful roles of a soundtrack is its ability to set the emotional tone of a scene or an entire production. Whether it’s the tense, foreboding music of a thriller, the whimsical notes of a romantic comedy, or the haunting melodies of a horror film, soundtracks help to immediately cue the audience into the emotional undercurrent of the scene. A great soundtrack can make you feel fear, joy, excitement, or nostalgia, all without a single word being spoken.
For instance, the iconic opening score of Star Wars immediately conveys a sense of epic adventure, while the minimalist piano of The Social Network highlights the underlying tension and isolation of the characters. Music guides the emotional response of the audience, sometimes subtly and other times powerfully, to enhance the story.
2. Enhancing Narrative and Storytelling
Soundtracks play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of a movie or TV show. Music helps to accentuate key moments, providing an additional layer of meaning to what’s happening on screen. For example, a song that plays during a pivotal turning point in a story can symbolize change, loss, or triumph, giving the audience deeper insight into the emotional trajectory of the characters.
In Inception, Hans Zimmer’s intense, layered score mirrors the complex layers of dreams and reality, guiding viewers through the multi-dimensional storytelling. Similarly, the music in Stranger Things harks back to the 1980s, not just creating a sense of time and place but also enriching the show’s themes of nostalgia, friendship, and adventure.
3. Building Atmosphere and World-Building
The right soundtrack can immerse viewers into the world of the film or TV show, establishing a unique atmosphere that draws them deeper into the story. This is especially important in genres like science fiction, fantasy, and historical dramas, where music can help define the setting and create a sense of place.
In The Lord of the Rings, Howard Shore’s sweeping orchestral score not only captures the grandeur of Middle-earth but also adds depth to the cultures, landscapes, and emotions of the story. Similarly, in the gritty streets of Breaking Bad, the soundtrack’s use of classic rock and folk songs helps build the show’s tense, atmospheric world where moral boundaries are constantly tested.
4. Music as a Character
In some movies and TV shows, music transcends its role as a mere accompaniment and becomes almost like a character in the narrative. Certain songs or instrumental themes can become synonymous with a character, event, or feeling, becoming a signature part of the story.
Think about the theme of Jaws. John Williams’ menacing, rhythmic two-note motif has become indelibly linked with the shark and the terror it represents, despite being a relatively simple composition. Similarly, the repeated use of “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Wayne’s World or “I Will Always Love You” in The Bodyguard elevated these songs into iconic status, cementing them as intrinsic elements of the characters’ journeys.
5. Creating Tension and Anticipation
A well-timed soundtrack can also create tension and build anticipation in a scene, intensifying the suspense of a thriller or horror film. The rise and fall of the music’s tempo and volume can make moments of silence even more chilling, drawing the audience into the film’s sense of dread.
Take the classic horror score of Psycho, where Bernard Herrmann’s screeching strings during the shower scene heighten the terror, or the use of minimalistic piano and eerie sound design in The Witch that builds unease throughout the film. These soundtracks heighten the emotional stakes of the scenes they accompany, making the overall experience more thrilling.
6. Nostalgia and Cultural Impact
Soundtracks often become iconic and have a lasting impact on popular culture. Certain songs, whether original compositions or popular tracks, become inextricably linked with the movies or TV shows they were featured in. Over time, these songs evoke strong feelings of nostalgia, reminding viewers of their favorite scenes or moments.
Songs like “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic or “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III have become almost as memorable as the films themselves. TV shows like Friends with “I’ll Be There for You” or The Office with its quirky theme music have left lasting imprints on viewers’ memories, contributing to the cultural significance of both the music and the series.
7. Shaping Audience Perception and Memory
Soundtracks also play a significant role in shaping how audiences remember a movie or TV show. The right piece of music can help solidify a film’s impact, making it unforgettable long after the credits roll. Sometimes, it’s not the plot or the visuals that stay with you, but the music.
Consider the iconic scores of The Godfather, Schindler’s List, or The Lion King—pieces of music that have become inseparable from the movies themselves and carry deep emotional weight. These songs evoke the feelings and themes of the movie, helping to keep them alive in the collective cultural memory.
8. The Integration of Songs and Scores
A growing trend in film and TV is the blending of original compositions with popular songs. This fusion creates a diverse soundtrack that not only supports the narrative but also adds layers of emotional depth and relatability for the audience. Songs with lyrics that resonate with the themes of a show or film can be especially impactful.
In Guardians of the Galaxy, the mix of classic rock hits such as “Hooked on a Feeling” and “Come and Get Your Love” adds a playful, nostalgic tone to the otherwise action-packed film. Similarly, Euphoria has gained attention for its diverse and experimental soundtrack that combines both obscure and popular music to underscore its complex characters and moods.
Conclusion
The role of soundtracks in movies and TV shows is far from secondary. Music shapes the emotional experience of the viewer, enhances storytelling, builds atmosphere, and creates lasting memories. From iconic themes to carefully chosen pop songs, soundtracks are an essential part of cinema and television, providing an extra dimension to the storytelling process. As long as there are stories to tell, soundtracks will continue to shape and define the emotional landscape of movies and TV shows.
