The role of music in documentary films
Music has always been an important element in films, serving as the driving force in many emotions, setting the tone, and enhancing the overall viewing experience. In documentary films, it plays an even more significant role because it can help to establish a connection with the audience, create a sense of nostalgia, convey emotions and add depth to the story.
Documentary films often explore important themes and topics, such as social issues, historical events, and personal narratives. To effectively tell these stories and make them relatable and compelling, filmmakers use music to enhance the viewer’s thought and emotions. Music in documentary films can affect the mood and atmosphere, provoke feelings of nostalgia or hope, and enhance the overall impact of the story. As music is an emotive and universal language, it helps to connect with viewers on a deeper level and create a more memorable experience.
One way that music is used in documentary films is to establish a sense of time and place. By choosing music that fits the era or setting, filmmakers can create a sense of nostalgia or historical context for the audience. For instance, in the documentary “Amy,” about the life and legacy of singer Amy Winehouse, the film features Winehouse’s music alongside songs from her inspirations, Ray Charles and Nina Simone. This not only establishes her roots and influences but also connects the viewer to her story and emotions.
Music is also used in documentary films to set the tone and atmosphere. A powerful soundtrack can create tension, energize, or evoke emotions like sadness, triumph, or hope. For instance, in “The Ivory Game,” a documentary about the illegal ivory trade, the film’s composer, H. Scott Salinas, used an orchestral score that builds in intensity as the story progresses, emphasizing the gravity and danger of the situation. On the other hand, in the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” about the life and career of beloved children’s television host Fred Rogers, the use of simple piano music emphasizes the gentle and heartwarming nature of the story and the person.
Finally, music can add depth to the story and help to convey emotions subtly. A well-chosen song or instrumental can express a sentiment that might be difficult to articulate through words or visuals. For instance, in the film “Dear Zachary,” a documentary about a murdered man’s best friend, an emotional cello score is used to emphasize the sadness and loss felt by the subjects of the story.
In conclusion, music plays a vital role in documentary films. It helps to establish a connection with the audience, create a sense of nostalgia, convey emotions, and add depth to the story. As the emotional resonance of music is universal, it has the power to make a documentary film feel more relatable and memorable. An effective use of music is crucial to ensure that the story is not only told, but felt by the audience as well.
