Citizen Kane

The music in Citizen Kane is very minimalistic. There isn't much to say about the music in this movie, except that it was only featured in the flashbacks. It was also harder to find any pattern to the musc or any themes or leitmotifs than in the previous movies that we have watched. I did note that there was no music in the title scene. The music in the beginning of the movie also mimiced stereotypical horror movie music which forshadowed the dark theme of the film.

Double Indemnity

The music in Double Indemnity mirrors a lot of the elements of the Classic Hollywood Film Score. As a Film Noir, the movie features orchestral music without words and an overall musical theme that is played throughout the film, especially when the narrator is speaking. The majority of the film's music is underscoring, except a small bit of source music coming from a radio at the very end of the film. The film also uses sequences, most notably when Walter Neff is approaching the elevator after being shot. One of the things that stood out to me was the use of loud uplifting music at the end of the film. This is ironic because the ending of the film is dark and troubling, not exactly the happy ending that the music implies.

Sea Hawk

This movie is a perfect example of George Burt's article "The Story's the Thing." Through its use of leitmotifs, sequences, display of geography and history, etc. the music in the Sea Hawk is successful in keeping the story the main focus of the movie. This music perfects unobstrusiveness because the viewer is not bombarded with it. Throughout the film, music increases the emotional intensity of the love scenes and the fight scenes. It also helps to create continuity in the different scenes without becoming overpowering or monotonous. In conclusion, the music plays its vital role of combining with film to result in a "larger statement than would be possible with one or the other medium alone."

Gone with the Wind

The music in Gone with the Wind provides a stark contrast to the lack thereof in Frankenstein. This movie features almost wall to wall music, most of which is the same melody as the openning credits, just at different tempos, pitches, and volumes. One thing that really struck me about this movie was the contrast of mood set by the music and the mood portrayed by the actors. For example, when Scarlett first hears of Ashley's proposal, she is extremely upset but the music featured in the scene instead portrays the energy and chaos of the party around her and the excitement of the men going off to war. Scarlett's emotional turmoil fades into the background.

This contrast again shows itself when Rhett leaves Scarlett with almost cheery underscoring music. Another contrast is O Tanenbaum playing when the vast rows of injured soldiers are displayed. Dreary music is expected because of the sadness of the situation. Finally, when the town is hearing about all of their loved ones who have died, instead of heart-wrenching music that would be fitting, the movie features a very chipper melody that is also joined by upbeat diagetic music played by a band. In conclusion, while the music made the film enjoyable and provided continuity over the four hours of film, it at times got in the way of the story line and became monotonous to the viewer.