Unit 9: Music

Question 1

Five Characteristics of Film Music

Answer 1

1. Patterns of Development
2. Lyrical Content
3. Tempo and Volume
4. Instrumentation
5. Cultural Significance

Question 2

Patterns of Development

Answer 2

musical themes are often repeated, establishing motifs, and parallels.
signal important changes in story.

Question 3

Leitmotifs

Answer 3

a kind of musical label that is assigned to a character, a place, an idea, or an emotion.
once assigned a leitmotif can be repeated each time the character, idea or emotion
reappears.

Question 4

Lyrical content

Answer 4

lyrics can be powerful indicators of mood or turning points in plot.

Question 5

Tempo

Answer 5

significant role in determining the emotional intensity of a song (and by extension, a
scene)

Question 6

Uptempo, or fast melodies, tend to convey

Answer 6

frenetic energy and rapid movement.

Question 7

Slow melodies suggest a

Answer 7

a more relaxed pace, or a lack of energy.

Question 8

Volume

Answer 8

can also affect the intensity of the scene.
can create the space surrounding characters.
loud music seems to swallow characters
soft music connotes more intimacy

Question 9

Instrumentation

Answer 9

what instruments are used to perform a piece of music

Question 10

Cultural Significance

Answer 10

add complexity to a film by using music that bears a specific cultural significance.
often relies on stereotypes

Question 11

Setting the Scene

Answer 11

creates atmosphere of time and place (Establish Historical Context)
characterizes the locations, setting and cultures where the story is set. (Shaping the
Space)

Question 12

Shaping Space

Answer 12

Music can suggest the specific culture makeup of a setting’s location

Question 13

Defining Character

Answer 13

Use of music to define characters.

A motif may inform audiences of a character’s taste, demeanor or attitude.

Question 14

Adds Emotional Meaning/Shaping Emotional Tenor

Answer 14

establishes the mood of a scene

Question 15

Emphasizing Climaxes

Answer 15

music is used to heighten action

emphasizes climaxes and conclusions

Question 16

Creating Continuity

Answer 16

music can bridge shots (link and unify them)

use of leitmotif to create continuity

Question 17

Distancing the Audience

Answer 17

exploits the contrast between sound and image

effect may distance the audience (more critical perspective).

Question 18

Mickey Mousing

Answer 18

matching movement to music

Question 19

Stinger

Answer 19

sound that forces the audience to notice the significance of something onscreen, such as
the ominous chord struck when the villian’s presence is made known.