How Background Music Can Devastate Movie Scenes

Have you ever witnessed a movie scene that was completely ruined by its background music? As a former employee at a small movie theater, I've encountered some memorable instances where the audio failed to enhance the visual narrative, instead pulling it toward a notably different direction. In this article, we'll explore a few examples of how background music can mar what could have been great scenes, using well-known films to illustrate the points.

The Misplaced Grandeur: The Outsiders

One of the most telling examples is the 1983 film adaptation of The Outsiders, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and featuring music composed by his daughter, Carmine Coppola. While Carmine's score is renowned and often praised, there is a specific scene in the film that highlights the dissonance between the movie's atmosphere and its musical accompaniment.

During a pivotal scene where the father of one of the main characters visits his son's bedside after a devastating fire, the father and son embrace, a moment meant to be tender and definitive. However, the music swells to a crescendo that is almost reminiscent of a grand romantic finale, reminiscent of the iconic themes from Gone with the Wind. This choice seems misplaced in the context of The Outsiders, which aims to evoke a more realistic and gritty atmosphere. Personally, I couldn't help but whisper to my colleague, “Love theme from The Outsiders,” a comment that elicited a good laugh but also a discussion on the appropriateness of the music.

The Ear-Worm Effect: The Truth About Cats and Dogs

The misplaced music in The Outsiders is not the only example of a soundtrack detracting from a film. Another egregious instance is the soundtrack of the 1996 romantic drama, The Truth About Cats and Dogs. The film, starring Jeanene Garofalo and Richard Grieco, featured a jarring and memorable soundtrack that seemed to mock the entire movie.

The scene in question involves a memorable "da-da-da-ee-dee-dee-de daa” motif played on the violin, a theme that seems almost forced and out of place in the narrative. Jeanene Garofalo's character even went on to say, "The soundtrack wants to make you puke.” This statement not only captures her discomfort but also reflects the overall impact of the soundtrack on the film's quality.

Why Music Matters: A Deeper Look

The affect of music on a film's narrative cannot be overstated. A well-crafted and thoughtful soundtrack can enhance the emotional depth and context of a scene. However, when the music does not align with the film's genre or the emotional tone of the moment, it can become a distracting element, and in extreme cases, ruin the overall cinematic experience.

Phrases like "love theme" in The Outsiders and "da-da-da-ee-dee-dee-de daa" in The Truth About Cats and Dogs are often indicative of a disconnect between the film's visuals and its sound. This disconnect can be jarring for viewers, leading to a sense of disinterest or even outright dislike for the film.

When selecting a soundtrack, filmmakers and composers must consider the psychology of music and its ability to evoke emotions and enhance storylines. Overly grand or inappropriately placed music can transform a narrative into a cacophony, with the viewer's focus shifting from the intended emotions to the music's overtures.

Conclusion

While great scores can elevate films to new heights, misplaced or ill-suited music can and often does ruin critical scenes. As highlighted by The Outsiders and The Truth About Cats and Dogs, the effect of music is paramount. Future filmmakers and composers should pay close attention to the appropriateness and the emotional resonance of the music they choose to complement their stories, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for their audiences.