emorrow’s blog

Blog assignment: up to 10 points for each of 2 entries (please note: Blog contributions MUST be moderated. You will not see your first posting immediately – only when it has been approved by me!):

The Music in Film blog is an opportunity to share your favorite movies music with your fellow students. Students are expected to contribute a minimum of two entries into Music in Film blog.

Entry 1 due by October 6, 5 p.m.: The first entry shall discuss a film not included in the class syllabus. The entry should contain the following information:
• Name and date of film
• Composer’s name
• Style of music (jazz, pop, modern, traditional, exotic)
• Discuss one scene (give timing) and the impact that the music has on the scene
• Include some personal thoughts – why did you choose this film to share? Did the music help the scene or detract from it?

Entry 2 due by December 1, 5 p.m.: For the 2nd entry, choose an Entry 1 post from another student, watch the film, and post an articulate response. Respond to entry 1 with your reaction to their scene choice adding your own thoughts/reactions, or choose a different scored scene and discuss how it is similar or different.

(Here is a sample of the first Blog Entry from a previous semester:
The Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Composer : A.R. Rehman
Scene Timing : 1:24:25 – 1:27:20

In this scene the ’slum dog’ , JAMAL promised his love Latika that he would be waiting for her at the Victoria Terminus Train Station in Mumbai everyday 5pm. The underscoring for this scene starts with the sound of the trains. The local trains in Mumbai travel on the same route everyday at their fixed timing without fail. This depicts his dedication and sincere desire to see his love for which he comes and waits everyday at the same time and same place. This is followed by the sound of the crowd in which he is searching for the face of Latika. This also somehow illume’s his despair for failing to see her. But, when she finally arrives the sound of the crowd is replaced by the Indian classical music which gives a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. A.R. Rehman uses an Indian instrument called Sitar; which is often signified as an instrument of love. The music is very light, soft and smooth which gives a feeling of happiness and joy and that Love is in the air. The smooth and romantic music transforms into very sharp and high pitched strings which portray the interference of evilness in between love. The use of Classical rock while the thugs are chasing Latika gives a sense of fear and distress. The fast strings, the violin and the tabla(another Indian instrument) can be interpreted as the ill-treatment on the girl; Latika.

I have selected this movie because of the use of many Indian instruments which might not be familiar amongst many. In Indian music every instrument describes a feeling or emotion; like the Sitar is for love and romance while the Tabla is for anger or intensity. The music in this scene helps the plot by showing the urge of Jamal and Latika to be together and their infinite amount of Love. The music is old yet new, of a different origin and a rare style. The scoring is intense yet jolly, enjoying and keeps us glued to the scene. It perfectly paints the on going feelings and emotions in the scene.)

(Here is sample of a 2nd Blog Entry – a Response Entry

Film: Once (2007)
Composed by: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglová
Style: Folktime
Scene Timing: 37:50-42:28

I agree with all of Bassey Bassey’s comments about this film. I think that this movie is extremely unique in that it most powerfully embodies the elements of love, heartbreak, struggle, and dealing with emotional pain. The scene when Glen is singing the song “Lies” I think really completes his character, interpreting his background through painfully heart-felt lyrics and flash-back visuals of his past relationship with a girl. There were also other scenes that counter-acted the entire depressing theme of Glen’s past. During a couple of scenes that include both Glen and Marketa, we get to really see Glen move forward emotionally. As he becomes closer to Marketa he slowly allows himself to forgive and forget the pain of his previous lover. I thought that the movie as a whole is for sure worth watching. Not only will u experience solid visuals, acting, dialogue, etc, but also you will be subjected to truly beautiful music.

I chose to respond the “Once” post because of my previous familiarity with the music. It wasn’t until I saw the cover of this movie that I became very excited. Little did i know that a couple of my favorite folk musicians starred in an indie film. Some may not know that these two actors are actually part of a band called The Swell Season. Listen and love! http://www.myspace.com/theswellseason

p.s listen to the song “In These Arms”)