Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, volume 663

Proceedings of the 2022 International Conference on Comprehensive Art and Cultural Communication (CACC 2022)

Analysis of the Roles of Film Soundtracks in Films

Kexuan Xu
Taiyuan Chengcheng Middle School, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
*Corresponding author. Email: 385679221@qq.com

ABSTRACT
It is well known that when film first appeared in the art world, it was silent or required a live band, and people even
referred to silent films as ‘the great dumb’. In 1936, Chaplin produced his last silent film, Modern Times, marking the
death of silent film. The era of sound film was officially opened to realize the unification of audio-visual and sound
painting, thus making the film audience wider. This paper focuses on the roles of film soundtracks in films in order to
better understand this diversified art form of film. In this paper, four kinds of roles in film soundtracks have been
discussed. That is, the soundtracks hint at the development of the film’s plot, render atmosphere, express the feelings
and thoughts of the characters, and become an icon of the film. The results show that the film soundtracks play a very
important role in the overall development and plot promotion of the film, and they are indispensable parts of the film.

Keywords: film, soundtrack, audio-visual language, The Shining, music.

characteristics. Music can not only, with frame

1. INTRODUCTION synchronization, from the angle of positive images, have
the effect of supplementing each other, but can also be
Film is an artistic combination of audio-visual used with the image formation para relationship, then
language, and the film soundtrack has been widely music and pictures as two parts of a music performance,
concerned with and supported by the rapid development music from the angle of negative images, opposite each
of the film industry. The film’s soundtrack is a unique other. In this relationship, sound and music cooperate
auditory art form, and it plays a very significant role in with the picture from the opposite angle to interpret the
the film. Film soundtracks are divided into two types theme meaning to be conveyed by the film. There are also
based on their placement in the film. One is realistic different artistic ways of dealing with the content and
music, also called objective music, which has the source emotion of music and pictures. If the difference is only
of sound in the picture. The other is functional music, also “quantitative”, it constitutes the contrast of sound and
called subjective music, which has no source of sound in picture. If the difference is “quality”, it constitutes the
the picture. Many scholars have studied topics in this opposition of sound and painting [2].
field, such as the physiological and psychological effects
of film soundtracks on audiences, the role of classical Through this article, the public can have a deeper
music in films and film soundtracks, and so on. For impression and understanding of the film soundtrack, so
example, some scholars argue that a probe into the as to better understand the role of the film soundtrack in
aesthetic characteristics and artistic expression of this period while appreciating the film art.
film music is warranted. For the film, this complete
audio-visual system, with the help of the creation of 2. DEFINITION OF FILM SOUNDTRACK
composers and pianists, the works of singers and
Film score refers to the theme music that appears in a
recorders, and the diversified cooperation with the film
film. Generally, it should cooperate with the plot
picture, realizes the mutual infection and strengthening of
development and the mood of the scene, playing the role
the picture and music score, and also realizes the artistic
of foil atmosphere. The production of music can be done
appreciation of the film’s original sound, which not only
by musical instruments, vocal music, orchestras, or
realizes the sensory pleasure of body and mind, but also
electronic music. As far as the score is concerned, there
reflects the life of the film[1].
are two extreme and opposite ideas about the score. One
Some scholars think that the movie soundtrack is to try to blend into the structure of the film, as
relationship should be governed by its great aesthetic imperceptibly as a dub. The second is to highlight as

Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Atlantis Press SARL.

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much as possible, which makes people feel that as long film. Enhancing the artistic appeal of the film can play an
as these two concepts can be skillfully coordinated with important role, including rendering the
the structure of the whole film, they will be able to environmental atmosphere, rendering the atmosphere of
produce great power. The true meaning of the soundtrack The Times, rendering local color, rendering national
lies in this collocation. Secondly, films have a variety of characteristics, and so on.
rhythm functions, such as subjective rhythm, objective
Music is an auditory form that is distinguished from
rhythm, the director’s psychological rhythm, the
other arts by a high degree of abstraction. Its ability to
audience’s psychological rhythm, etc. Music is the only
generalize characters’ feelings and emotions is
form that is very rhythmically consistent with film; other
unmatched by any other art form. Music can reflect
art forms are slightly less so. In the film, both music and
people’s rich and complex emotional states in a unique
pictures are the means of transmitting information. The
way. Every movie has a theme that it wants to express.
latter demonstrates intuitiveness and clarity in conveying
The various artistic elements in the film, such as directing,
meaning, which has evolved into the film’s preferred
cinematography, acting, art, etc., all play different roles
method of conveying meaning. Music and images
within the theme. Film music plays a unique role in
reverberate, demonstrating significant application value
deepening the theme of the film by means of music.
in broadening the category of audience association,
stimulating other emotions and feelings, and
strengthening the connotation of film works. As one of 3.1. The soundtrack hints at the development of
the sound modeling elements in the film, the soundtrack the film’s plot
plays a very significant role in setting up the
The soundtrack has an unsung function in movies —
atmosphere[3].
it hints at what’s going on in the plot, which audiences
American film theorist Bob Booker said so about the often overlook when watching movies because it’s not
role of film music in elements of film, and he summarized present in front of our eyes in a visual way. For instance,
the methods: (1) accompanies the first letter of the title; at the beginning of The Shining, there is a car driving on
(2) heightens the dramatic effect; (3) creates a sense of a mountain road, and some weird music in the
place; (4) manufactures or foils movement speed; (5) background, which is the mass on The Day of Wrath,
reveals the person's identity; (6) predicts future events; which is funeral music. The highlight of the whole film
and (7) determines, maintains, and changes mood.After lies in the music, which is harsh and strange at first, but
that, he added three kinds, namely: the use of music after listening to it for a long time, it will make people
themes; Music and movement: indirect use of music [4]. start to fear, and then, as they follow the plot step by step,
it will completely sublimate the horror mood of the whole
Music can express these rhythms through different
film.
musical rhythms and musical language, catering to
different styles and scenes of the story. To some extent, Therefore, it is understood that the music alludes to
music plays an irreplaceable role in film. In 1895, the the family’s subsequent misfortune. Simply using the
Lumiere brothers’ first commercial film was accumulation of horror elements alone can not make a
accompanied by a piano. This was the first time in the successful horror film. Relying on the support of the story,
history of film that film was combined with music, which contact with the actual background, suspense background
really realized the projection of film from “silent” to and excellent cast, you can call it success. In fact, the
“sound”. However, the combination of “sound and family does suffer misfortune later in the series.
painting” in this form cannot achieve the organic unity of Sometimes the visual image precedes the picture,
music content and film picture, which affects the viewing foreboding victory and hope in difficult times and
effect to some extent. In order to perfect this combination, hardship and frustration in good times. Sometimes the
the Edison Patent Company in 1909 selected appropriate image appears after the picture, extending the
musical segments for the scenes of movies. The dramatic mood. A lot of horror movies use sound effects
classification mainly takes the emotion of the film as the to deepen the audience’s sense of darkness. For example,
clue, and organically combines the types of music clips in the film The Shining, when the boy enters the mirror
with similar films. in room 237, he has a visual blind spot in his imagination.
The head is not given directly, only showing hesitation in
3. THE ROLES OF FILM SOUNDTRACKS front of the door and panic after coming out. interspersed
IN FILMS with images of her mother inspecting the dimmer
equipment. At this time, the ethereal single string sound
Film is an art form, and music is an indispensable part creates a very strange atmosphere. Because of the closed,
of this art form. Music can create a specific mood for a narrow lens and dark space, the audience will
part or the whole film, thus deepening the visual effect unconsciously associate with ghosts, ghosts, and other
and enhancing the appeal of the picture. This kind of things. Combined with the horror theme of the film, the
music is not simply repeating the content of the picture, audience will enter the infinity of MOFA. Following the
but carefully creating a background atmosphere for the sound effects and the abrupt echo of the thunk into the

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heroine’s perspective, feel free to imagine the little boy Voluminous contrast with the plot, can have an excellent
in room 237, and the father giving birth in the living room effect. In scenes that create weird atmospheres, the
[5]. soundtrack is often low in volume, as if nothing is
happening. In the sudden scare episodes, the score often
suddenly amplifies the volume, or there is a sudden
accent.
Therefore, it is necessary to be prepared to be startled
at all times when enjoying horror film music. For
example, the soundtrack of Psycho creates a fleshly
listening atmosphere through the unquiet and dangerous
feeling of The Murder alone. The repeated sharp and
harsh violin timbre and the horror scene of The Bathroom
Murder realize the pleasure of auditory and visual
interaction and promote a chilling watching effect. After
the film was released, the string music became famous
for its screams. On a more technical level, the score in the
film “The Happening” is very thought-provoking. The
simultaneous appearance of the opening music and the
picture is of great significance to the whole film and the
guidance of the audience’s viewing psychology.
Especially in this film, the picture information given at
the beginning of the film is relatively simple, the
landscape and camera motion remain unchanged, and the
content of things in the scene frame is also very simple
—the sky and clouds.
Figure 1 The Shining poster In this audiovisual combination, the audience’s
attachment to the soundtrack is obvious. From sunny
3.2. Render atmosphere days without clouds, to blue sky and white clouds, to
overcast clouds, and then to dark clouds, the progressive
This is the most common use of the film soundtrack, sense of the picture is obvious. The music is very rich.
and almost all films take advantage of that. Human beings From the beginning, it produces a sense of disharmony
are accustomed to experiencing objective things from and unknown, which stimulates the interest and curiosity
both visual and auditory aspects. The stereo sense of of the audience[6]. In the movie Avatar, the vocals are
auditory image can be more effectively expressed by mostly sung by many people. Such concerts create a
combining the auditory image of music, the ups and sense of mystery, and the choir adds a religious flavor to
downs of musical melody, the texture of harmony and the proceedings. It has something to do with the
counterpoint, and the orchestration with rich colors. environment where the story takes place and the theme
By combining it with music melody, movies can more the film wants to express. The form is similar to the music
effectively express the three-dimensional sense of of a religious choir, describing the na'vi people’s sincerity
auditory image. to nature and love for their homeland incisively and
Similarly, videos such as “Immersive Makeup” and vividly, and also making the audience feel the mysterious
“Immersive Cooking”, which are very popular on the colors of Pandora, which is different from the earth[7].
Internet, use real sound to make the audience feel as if What is more, it relates to the popularity of Tiktok
they are personally on the scene. Almost all horror videos. Some of the popular videos on Tiktok have very
movies take advantage of this. Observing that every time good music, which can be funny, sad, or dynamic. The
the characters approach danger, the music will become music and pictures combine to form a popular video. The
more and more weird. Even if the audience does not see soundtrack will become an Internet sensation, with
the horror scene, they will still feel spooked by the scary people trying to copy it and make videos of it. Some
music. In horror movies, the soundtrack sometimes talented and capable people will remix this music again.
serves more than the plot. Music can create a scary Another famous soundtrack that has spread throughout
atmosphere and exert a powerful influence at key plot the film industry is MiyazakiHayao’s cartoons and Joe
points. In the theory of composition, pitch and length are Hisaishi’s music. Carrying You, the soundtrack of Castle
the most important attributes, while in the general form in the Sky, expresses regret for the destruction of
of music, volume and strength attributes are often put in civilization in Prada City, but also contains the hope and
second place by the composer. However, in a horror film persistence represented by the protagonist.
soundtrack, the volume contrast factor plays a crucial role.

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Figure 2 Still frame of the opening credits of “The Happening”

and sang carelessly, depicting a singing girl’s

3.3. Expressing the feelings and thoughts of the
helplessness and nostalgia for her hometown[9]. What is
characters
more, Groot, the orc in Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, is
In a sense, film is a narrative art, but narrative is not different from the other protagonists in terms of language.
unique to film. Film art, drama, novels and other artistic In terms of language, he can only say one thing: I am
styles have obvious reasons to exist. To study the effects Groot. But every word he says has a different meaning
of film music on the emotions of the characters in a film, and mood. At the beginning of the film, Groot’s body
it is natural to bring music into the perspective of language and the music in the film show us a lovely and
narration, and see how film music participates in lively Groot. Through music and dance, it shows us that
narration and expresses the emotions of the characters in Groot’s inner world is like a child's. Even when
an excellent film. Film narratology is mainly concerned everything around him is drenched in blood and rain, he
with narrative structure. The development of the story is can still enjoy the world of music and play happily [10].
a dramatic and poetic structure, and other diversified
expressions occur. Narrative time shows that film and 3.4. Becoming an icon of a film
music are also time-based arts, but the rich narrative time
Often, successful film and television work and their
of film includes chronological and reverse chronological
music are mutually successful. In other words, the music
order.
is what makes the film or television work. The theme
Movies often use music to strengthen the song is an important element in the movie, especially the
psychological activities of characters and reveal their seamless and beautiful theme song with the story, which
thoughts, feelings, and spiritual outlook. In many movies, not only plays a narrative lyrical role, but also arouses the
when there is a conflict between two characters, the audience’s resonance, leaving an indelible impression on
melody becomes hurried and tense. When the characters people. Sometimes a movie may be forgotten, but a
are on vacation, they play relaxing music. For example, popular theme song will last forever.
Black Swan is a story about an actor’s gradual
The 2019 television series Euphoria is a great
dissociation from the character, and it takes more than a
example of this, with all of the music produced by Labrith
few techniques to show the unreality of consciousness
and his team. The producers went beyond the boundaries
lost to fantasy. Therefore, a large amount of music in the
of traditional composition and boldly tried to combine
film plays a key role in enhancing the effect on the basis
different musical styles, breaking, rearranging, and
of visual impact. Ninety percent of the time in the film,
playing backwards to achieve satisfactory results. They
music is used to foreshadow. The whole film is based on
just try different things. This kind of magic and confusion
Swan Lake, a symphonic work in the national style of
makes people feel the dizzy music of spirit, which lays
Russian tragedy. The solemn and psychedelic music
the foundation for the joy of success. When Forever and
gives people a sense of “uneasy and nervous” shaking,
Formula ring, people will tend to think of Euphoria.
which well demonstrates the protagonist's split mental
Every time that familiar melody plays, the mind takes us
state [8].
back to that particular scene. Some people commented on
Another example is Angels on the Road, which is a this TV series, ‘Euphoria’ is a powerful hand grenade
famous Chinese film. The use of a few songs in “Angel thrown at today’s giddy American society.
on the Road” is a bright spot and an essential part of the
The plot revolves around a group of 17-year-old high
film as a whole. Throughout the whole film, it can be
school students in Southern California, and it recreates a
found that the “four season song” and the “song
typical American high school, with no college entrance
bird” appear three times in the film. Emotions are closely
examinations or evening self-study, just adolescent boys
linked to the characters and are used to express the
and girls on the verge of moral and criminal mania being
feelings of the characters’ feelings, characterizing the
tested. The teenagers here have absurd problems that
service of the characters. When Xiao Hong sang “Song
seem to mirror the current social contradictions. They
of the Four Seasons” in the restaurant, she tied her hair

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were born into a kaleidoscope. More thinking, more to the door of the new world. I am here to thank them
choices, more self-destructive impulses. But they are far from the bottom of my heart.
from corrupt. Instead of dreaming of a grand narrative,
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4. CONCLUSION
[9] Lu Liu. On the creation of characters’ emotions by
This paper mainly explores the role of the soundtrack film music. Doctoral dissertation, Tianjin Normal
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people can understand the role and significance of music
in film. Music and film complement each other, and they
must be well combined. This is a very creative field that
needs to be discovered and explored in order to create
better music. There are many functions of the film
soundtrack that have not been mentioned in this paper and
need to be explored. Future research will combine more
films to analyze the performance of specific music types
in films.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am very grateful to my professor, teaching assistant,
and thesis teacher, who really helped me a lot and led me

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