by Jean Cocteau
Music is not only a set of notes played beautifully. It is also a very important role in society, especially when it comes to films. With the right notes and tones, the audience’s experience amplifies. The background music supports a scene and actor’s emotions, which done successfully can cause the audience to shed a tear or intensify the suspense feeling. It allows the audience to understand the current situation, know how to feel, and enhance the mood setting. However, background music is not the only type of music in film.
I am a huge fan of musicals. I find them to be most entertaining because it is not just a film genre. A musical is a form of story telling which incorporates music and dance with speech. It can include other genres, so that is more than just a musical. For example, my all-time favorite film is the classic musical, The Phantom of the Opera. The Phantom of the Opera is a romantic drama set in music. It’s about a mysterious half-masked man who falls in love with one of the performers at the opera house. He does whatever it takes to make sure she has her chance in the spotlight to make her fall in love with him. It’s a very touching film and I would highly recommend this film to others.
If you’re in the mood for a less dramatic and comedic musical, I would recommend Grease. It’s a romantic-comedy with more upbeat songs compared to The Phantom of the Opera. When I was in high school, I had the Grease fever. I think I enjoyed it more as a teenager because the film was focused on high school students. I was able to relate to it and visualize myself in a similar situation which made the experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re hosting a family movie night, I would recommend Robert Wise’s The Sound of Music. The Sound of Music was the very first musical I ever watched and because of Julie Andrews’ performance and vocals, I grew to love musicals. My passion for music was actually inspired by this musical. After watching this film, I dedicated myself to studying how to play various instruments such as piano, bells, clarinet, violin, vocals, and guitar. Because of this film, I love and appreciate music.
The fun doesn’t stop there though. Nowadays, if a musical is successful enough on film, it can be performed live on Broadway!
6 responses so far ↓
Harlem Kat // Sep 18th 2012 at 10:31 pm
Really enjoyed reading your post about Musicals, I can see that they really capture your attention and you write about them with such passion I can only assume that you have seen your fair share. I actually saw Porgy and Bess on Broadway last week, i rather enjoyed it but i won’t lie, hearing them break out into song every 5 minutes got kind of annoying. Now GREASE was a great musical, loved the movie. If there was only one musical you could watch over and over again what would you choose and why?
Jesse Lee // Sep 19th 2012 at 12:43 am
Very in depth writing! Ive never really thought of musicals as a film genre. More of a broadway play thing in my mind. I think the first musical Ive seen is “The King and I”? Not even sure if that counts. Do you think musicals will become more mainstream in the future? People definitely dont appreciate music enough!
yl146984 // Sep 19th 2012 at 11:13 am
Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
To Harlem Kat:
I will admit that if there is no variety of music or tempo throughout the story, it does get annoying. It’s nice to have a break from the singing time to time. But, only for a few minutes. To answer your question, I would like to say the Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast the Little Mermaid, Aladdin, etc. because I love Disney. Nonetheless, I grew up with it. They make me feel like a little kid again. If I were to pick a favorite out of all of them, I would pick Mulan since I find it most aspiring. I am Chinese but my family is not as traditional as hers, which allows me to learn about how people in China used to live compared to my family traditions and lifestyle.
yl146984 // Sep 19th 2012 at 11:14 am
Thank you for taking your time to read my post.
To jlee3:
I understand how you feel. The way I see it, musicals on film originated from Broadway plays. But nowadays, not everyone can go to a broadway show and see it live. Therefore, with our modern technology, people can enjoy it on film.
I hope musicals will become more mainstream in the future and I’m glad to see that you’re someone who appreciate music. If people would stop to smell the roses, I think they would see how beautiful and powerful music can be.
Malynda // Sep 19th 2012 at 1:22 pm
I’m not into watching movies that are musicals but your post persuaded me to give them a chance. I love going to see musicals in the theater, especially real off Broadway productions.
I think the last musical I seen was “Mama Mia” which I thought was good, but not something I would say I loved. I remember seeing “Grease” when I was a kid and what can I say I still remember all the songs and outfits. So I guess I can see the attraction of musicals. Great post, thanks.
Thierry // Sep 19th 2012 at 8:20 pm
I’m not into musicals and Broadway shows at all. I usually fall asleep. But your post did remind me that I liked Sweeney Todd, the musical with Johnny Depp, and I went and looked it up. Turns out it’s based on a Broadway play.
Thanks for broadening my horizons, and I just might give musicals another shot.
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