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Film Music is Magic

Music takes movies from action on a screen to an adventure far away from daily life.

Emily Miller

Apr 08, 2019

University of Oklahoma

105

https://www.freeimages.com/photo/music-1173083

The ominous, two-note theme of a man-eating shark in Jaws, recognized by children and swimmers everywhere, even if they haven't seen the film. The triumphant first chords of the Star Wars theme, a staple of the playlist of every laser tag arena and space-themed party in the galaxy. These are just a few of the most famous examples of film music helping a movie become even more iconic than just the action on screen. In addition to these well-known film scores, I have been lucky enough to be exposed to several more incredible scores through a class I took this semester about music in film. Because of the class assignments, I have found countless new amazing scores that I love to study to, or even just listen to when I need a break from lyrics. Without further ado, my top three favorite film scores of all time.

Black Panther (2018) by Ludwig Goransson

As if the movie itself wasn't amazing enough, the score alone is a marvelous journey through the world of instrumentation. This score has everything, from traditional African drums and other instruments to western brass and electronic instruments. This score is one of my favorites to study to because the drumming and intense nature of many of the songs drives me to work faster. However, my favorite piece on the whole album is "A New Day," because it is calming and beautiful, a welcoming addition to the stress of my daily life.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) by John Williams

John Williams is already composition royalty, with his powerful score for Star Wars being the first music many people think of when asked about film scores, but his score for Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a masterpiece unlike any other. A concise, haunting five-note-phrase fills the movie, several of the pieces harken back to this melody, and it is eventually morphed into an incredible symphonic piece towards the end of the film. Along with this melody, a familiar Disney melody is worked into the final, hope-filled moments of the film, which I think is genius.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) by Howard Shore

My favorite film series of all time would not be complete without the beautiful score by Howard Shore. The melodies match each character brilliantly and add to the adventures of both the fictional characters and the audience. My favorite thing about this score is the fact that it doesn't "sound like" any other film scores. There is something exquisitely unique about the hopeful Shire theme and the haunting themes of the elves. I love to study to this soundtrack because it reminds me of something I love every time I listen, as well as being amazing music.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

Film Music is Magic

Music takes movies from action on a screen to an adventure far away from daily life.

Black Panther (2018) by Ludwig Goransson

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) by John Williams

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) by Howard Shore

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

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2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

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8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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