Movie scores: musical emotion

Most people don't really think about the background music in movies. It is generally ignored and simply enters the mind on a subconscious level, but watch a chase scene on mute and you are less likely to be tensed up or anxious for the protagonist.

Soundtracks and scores can help add to a movie's greatness. Imagine watching "Jaws" without that all too familiar ominous "da dum da dum dun dun dun dun..." Scores serve as an auditory cue for viewers. They alert them to danger or when something is wrong.

Some of the other functions of scores are to evoke emotion, excitement, or eeriness. The best composers in the business have had a hand in many different films or a certain genre. With an attuned ear it is easy to pick up on their trademark sound.

For instance, listen to part of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" then watch the beginning battle scene in "Gladiator" against the Germanic tribes. The two sound remarkably similar and that is because they are both composed by  Hans Zimmer. He is best known for his powerful percussion and loud brass sections.

Certain composers have been known to work along with specific filmmakers. One of the best examples of this dynamic duo is Steven Spielberg and John Williams. Williams has composed some of the most iconic movie themes such as "Indiana Jones," "Jurassic Park," "E.T.," and of course "Jaws." It was Spielberg who recommended Williams to compose for George Lucas' "Star Wars" films.

Another great, but less known composer is Alexandre Desplat, who is known for having such moving orchestral pieces. He has worked on films such as "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" and Part 2, "The King's Speech,"  "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and even "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."

Desplat weaves magic in his scores. Listeners can feel the agony and the pain in his song "Obliviate" where Hermione from the "Harry Potter" movies must wipe her parents' memories for their safety. He conveys emotion without using any words or visuals. Now think of what type of skill it takes to simply use sound to express the complex actions and thoughts that are going on in the movie.

Composers and their scores are an integral part to making movies what they are on the silver screen. So next time when seeing a movie, listen. When you think there is silence there usually is some soundtrack playing in the background, complementing the events happening on screen.

This is just one of the examples of a movie score.