Music and film

[Squirrel]

OK I'd like you to clear up a debate my friend and I have been having. I'll try not to be biased in my question; here it is:

Do you think that music adds something to a film or TV show, e.g. makes it more enjoyable or adds atmosphere or suspense? Or, do you think that the film would be the same without the music ' that you would enjoy it just as much. This doesn't include sound effects ' just music added after filming.

I'd like a majority vote if possible. As the person asking the question I will have to remain impartial, for now.

[j2buttonsw]

I think there is no doubt that music adds an awful lot to a film and directors use it extensively to add atmosphere and to set scenes. It is remarkable just how much music can add.

[Lennon]

I think that adding the music does make it more enjoyable to watch. As I have a huge DVD collection, a lot of them have double discs with making of the film etc and deleted scenes and they sometimes show you scenes before the music was laid on top and it really is pants without it.

[The Rut]

If done right of course examples off the top of my head Jaws (would it work without the cello) and also the heartbeat music on who wants to be a millionare there are countless other examples. BUT if its done wrong it can ruin a mood and be very disracting.

[mikewall01]

Music will quite often help set the scene and guide your emotions and in some cases add to your understanding of events or the plot. Similarly the sound of birds and animals whilst walking in the countryside adds interest, pleasure and understanding to what's going on around you.

I say that, in most instances, music is beneficial.

[treaclefight]

the additional fatures that come with the matrix dvd include interviews with the people responsible for the music and the directors, the conclusion seems to be that they aim to create a film that will stand on its own without music, but that sometimes the music can add stuff that you just can't do visually, combining good film making and the effect of music on the audience's emotions can make great films. tarantino (just one example) often uses music rather than scripts or visual information to expand characters and set scenes.

[Squirrel]

Thanks for your answers so far (my friend won't be pleased). As for The Matrix 2, I don't seem to remember liking the music on that very much, what do you think?

[Stav]

The music in the Matrix II at first doesnt seem as good as the music from the first one, but get the album, and listen to it a couple of times. Rod Dougan - Chateau and Furious Angels are superb, and get better each time. Get the new Rob Dougan album as well, its fantastic!!

[woodpam]

I can think of some outstanding examples of music enhancing the film it accompanies, e.g. Maxwell's This Woman's Work in She's Having a baby; Barber's Addagio for Strings in Platoon; the entire score of Last of the Mohicans. The list is endless. When I think it doesn't work is when the music is a signpost to what comes next as demonstrated in many horror films.