The Functions of Film Music[1]
I. ‘Invisibility’:
The technical apparatus of nondiegetic film music must not be visible.
II. ‘Inaudibility’:
Music is not meant to be heard consciously. As such it should subordinate itself to dialogue, to visuals i.e., to the primary vehicle of the narrative.
III. Signifier of emotion :
Soundtrack music may set specific moods and emphasize particular emotions suggested in the narrative, but first and foremost is a signifier of emotion itself.
IV. Narrative cueing:
V. Continuity:
Music provides formal and rhythmic continuity between shots, in transitions between scenes, by filling ‘gaps’.
VI. Unity:
Via repetition and variation of musical material and instrumentation, music aids in the construction of formal and narrative unity.
VII. A given score may violate any of the principles above, providing the violation is at the service of the other principles.
[1] Claudia Gorbman, Unheard Melodies: Narrative Film Music (London : Bloomington: BFI Pub. ; Indiana University Press, 1987), 73.
I. ‘Invisibility’:
The technical apparatus of nondiegetic film music must not be visible.
II. ‘Inaudibility’:
Music is not meant to be heard consciously. As such it should subordinate itself to dialogue, to visuals i.e., to the primary vehicle of the narrative.
III. Signifier of emotion :
Soundtrack music may set specific moods and emphasize particular emotions suggested in the narrative, but first and foremost is a signifier of emotion itself.
IV. Narrative cueing:
- Referential/narrative: music gives referential and narrative cues, e.g., indicating point of view, supplying formal demarcations, and establishing setting and characters.
- Connotative: music ‘interprets’ and ‘illustrates’ narrative events.
V. Continuity:
Music provides formal and rhythmic continuity between shots, in transitions between scenes, by filling ‘gaps’.
VI. Unity:
Via repetition and variation of musical material and instrumentation, music aids in the construction of formal and narrative unity.
VII. A given score may violate any of the principles above, providing the violation is at the service of the other principles.
[1] Claudia Gorbman, Unheard Melodies: Narrative Film Music (London : Bloomington: BFI Pub. ; Indiana University Press, 1987), 73.