“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music“

Aldous Huxley

The Background Score is an important aspect of a film. It captures the meaning of the movie and is extremely significant, because it creates a holistic understanding of the piece. The beauty behind music is that one perceives it, in his or her own unique way. The way every individual associates with a certain track is what really creates the connection, between a person and a film. The idea of background music is to complement the visuals of the film, and add layers and a sense of depth. A few examples of the same are listed below:

1. Lone Survivor – Lone Survivor by Steve Jablosnky

“Lone Survivor” as a track, brings forth a wave of emotions. The track is composed keeping in mind what Marcus Luttrell (protagonist) went through during Operation Redwing, when he lost his comrades in the middle of the mission. The drumbeats give an electric feel to the track, and the gradual amplification of the tempo, rises like boiling tea in a kettle. This soundtrack checks out all the boxes for the purpose it was written. When times are tough and you are all by yourself, do not lose hope in yourself. Maybe pour yourself a cup of tea & GO AT IT AGAIN!

2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Walter Time, Stationary Cycle, I’m Right here, Time & Life and Quintessence by Theodore Shapiro

The soundtrack follows the emotional highs and lows of Walter Mitty, who works as a negative assets manager, but dreams big. “Walter Time” as a track, fulfils its purpose of looking at life in a different way; maybe stepping out of that monotonous corporate job routine is what it points to. Maybe it sparks inspiration for the idea you have been meaning to work on, maybe stepping out of your comfort zone is what it calls for. These upbeat soundtracks from “The Secret life of Walter Mitty” most certainly taught me how to embrace that feeling of vulnerability, and how life in your own eyes, is a movie.

3. Inception – Time by Hans Zimmer

Hans Zimmer is one of the most famous music composers in the world. “Time”, The track plays during the climax of the film, a moment where the protagonist, Cobb in an extremely skeptical state of mind. Hans gives the audience this shrilling sensation of a ticking clock. The intensity of this music piece is so moving, that it gives you an unsolicited answer to your own imagination. Much like a curtain, folding on the greatest priced possession.

4. Little Miss Sunshine – The Winner is by DeVotchka

My personal favourite, this track from “Little Miss Sunshine”, creates a melancholy feeling, that one longs for. The usage of different instruments to portray different emotions in one timeline, hits all the right notes for me. This track tells a story in itself. If you focus hard enough, it starts with a joyous and confident note. However, life being as unpredictable as it is, strikes us with what we call Zemblanity (it means: an unpleasant surprise), which is beautifully exemplified by a violin in the track linked above. Although, forever is not for so long. The latter half of the track as it continues, goes on to depict, that life will always have some violin in it, but you must Cello up your life’s tuning.

5. Last Night – So long, lonesome by Explosions in the sky

The name of this track “So long, Lonesome” defines itself. Explosions in the Sky need no introduction when it comes to background scores and post-rock music. This track starts when Alex and Joanna are on the brink of saying their goodbyes forever. What’s special about this track, is that it is able to capture that sense of “Au Revoir”. Like winter turning into spring, until winter comes again, like farewell to a person or a memory, like a toodle-pip to the greatest weekend ever. The piano work on this track is so comforting that it equals the electrifying drums, which signifies the unknown. Which tells us, memories are to be made, but not to be held onto.

To conclude, films without background scores will be incomplete, like paint on a canvas without strokes. These tracks glorify emotions and feelings in a film. Sometimes some of these tracks hold a remarkable place in the hearts of the audience; they tend to relate to it. Life is a film, friend, put your track on, change the meaning of it.

(Check out our Spotify, and keep yourself updated on trending films and TV-series soundtracks! Featured image: Psychology Today )