Film Music - Batman Flashcards
What is the main objective of film music?
To set the mood or tone of a scene
When was Batman Returns written?
1992
Who composed Batman Returns?
Danny Elfman
What key things do you need to know about Elfman?
6 points
- not a classical composer
- self-taught composer
- loved music
- only composes for film
- worked well with Tim Burton
- until 2002, Batman was his highest grossing film
What variations of texture do we see in Batman?
- polarised texture
- homophonic/homorhythmic
Birth of a Penguin Part 1:
How is melody used?
3 points
- leitmotifs used throughout
(Developed, repeated and sequenced to create and build into the main longer melodic structures) - arpeggios to create pace
- themes are theatrical and doubled in multiple instruments
(Organ/choir)
Birth of a Penguin Part 1:
How is Harmony and Tonality used?
7 points
- minor keys throughout starting in Fm
- modulates through tertiary relationships
- lots of semitone shifts
- pedal notes throughout
- tone clusters add a sense of darkness and unease
- range of chords: open fifth chords, dominant 7th chords
- plagal cadences
Birth of a Penguin Part 1:
What is the overall structure?
Through composed structure
Not broken down into specific structure
Birth of a Penguin Part 1:
How is texture used?
6 points
- constantly changing texture
- use of octaves to create unison texture and slow pace of music
- strings often play countermelodies
- celesta for decoration
- melody is often in middle of texture
- texture largely built up of layers of penguin motif
Birth of a Penguin Part 1:
How is rhythm, metre and tempo used?
5 points
- frequent changes of metre: (particularly 3/4, 4/4 and 3/8)
- tempo regularly changes to mirror pace or mood onscreen
- rhythmic augmentation often used with original melodies (ie. penguin motif)
- musical ‘flurries’ used to reflect action on screen
- change to 3 time bar for one bar (typical of Elfman)
Birth of a Penguin Part 1:
How is instrumentation used?
6 points
- full orchestra with addition of pipe organ, choir etc.
- Pipe organ often plays pedal note creating ominous tone
- variety of different playing techniques used eg. Glissandi, muted brass, pizzicato, tremolo
- choir sing in wordless style
- celesta used throughout for decoration
- sleigh bells are heard (Christmassy feel)
Birth of a Penguin Part 1:
How are dynamics used throughout the piece?
5 points
- begins very quietly to set ominous tone
- dynamics become much louder when penguin motif repeated
- quieter dynamics reflect when walking outside and pass other couple
- really loud to reflect baby falling into sewer
- ominous ending with quieter dynamics
