Music topic essay

Answer

1. Comparison of The Use of Music in Little Women and To Catch A Thief

   The use of music in films plays the role of not only improving the cinematic experience of the viewers but also determining the success of the movie. The soundtracks used in a movie can either be diegetic, nondiegetic, original underscores, of pre-existing music. Additionally, the music can be made using instruments or via texture. Whereas some films use more music and soundtracks, other only rely on less than three soundtracks. Moreover, music plays different roles in a movie narrative. Whereas some sound tracks involve the use of leitmotifs, others are used in musical topics. This paper provides a discussion of the use of music in the films Little Women (1933) and To Catch A Thief (1955). The differences and similarities in the use of music will be discussed.

   One of the similarities in the use of music in the two films is on the types of music used. In Little Women, music is used as an original underscore as well as nondiegetic soundtracks. Notably, Little Women largely relies on Andrew Bird’s “Danse Carribe” song.  For instance, in the opening credits of the series, the song has been used as an original underscore. However, in the course of the movie (such as in season 1, episode 1, part 1), Andrew Bird’s “Danse Carribe” is used as a nondiegetic whereby it is deployed to feature the girls having a snowball fight in the garden. Additionally, in the scene right before the wedding, the song is played when March comes to see all the four girls. Similarly, In To Catch A Thief, the song “Them” by Lyn Murray has been extensively used as an original underscore at the beginning and end of the film.

   One noticeable difference which arises in the use of music in the two films is the style of music which is deployed by the producers. For instance, in Little Women, the style of music involves the use of instruments. In specific, music is played by Beth on Mr Lawrence’s piano, which depicts that it is an instrument style type of music. However, in To Catch A Thief, the type of music played is that of textures. For example, at the beginning of To Catch A Thief film, Murray’s song played is depicted in various textures. For instance, there is an image of a man close to kissing a lady as well as other pictures which are shown when the soundtrack is being played. As such, the two films differ on the styles of music which have been deployed by the producers.

   On the aspect of the amount of music used in the film, there is a difference between the two films. In specific, there is a lot of music which has been used in Little Women, compared to that used in To Catch A Thief. For instance, whereas in Little Women, I note six tracks being deployed, I only detected one song type used in To Catch A Thief. In specific, apart from the “Danse Carribe” song in Little Women, other songs used include “Land O the Leal” by Jean Redpath; played and sang around the piano during Christmas time, and different versions played when the family in the film is back at home. As such, the amounts of music used in the two films form a part of the differences.

   The role and function of music in the two films is an element of similarity. In specific, the two films involve the use of leitmotifs, which associate the music with certain themes and ideas. For instance, in Little Women, the song used during Christmas gathering and played in the piano is meant to display the theme of togetherness and unity in the family. Additionally, the use of different melodies during the wedding in the film emphasizes the ideas of merry, happiness, and love. Similarly, the soundtrack in To Catch A Thief is meant to introduce a sober mood in the film. As such, the use of leitmotifs is a common feature in the two films.

   In conclusion, the use of music in films is vital in improving the viewer’s cinematic experience. The two fills have similarities in terms of the type of music and the role of the music. In specific, the music in the two films is original underscore and nondiegetic. Additionally, music involves the use of leitmotifs to connote different themes and ideas in the films. However, one of the differences is on the style and amount of music.  Whereas the Little Women involves the use of instruments, various textures are used in To Catch A Thief. Also, many tracks have been used in Little Women, which is not the case in To Catch A Thief. The use of music in terms of the style and amount are dependent on the types of film and the purpose for the use of the music.