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Music makes the movie: The importance of film scores
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Note by note: Music composer Ifa Fachir works on his compositions. Ifa recently talked at the American Cultural Center @America to discuss about the importance of music scores in films. (Ifa Fachir/-)
V
isual elements very often make up the essence of a film’s appeal but soundbites can also be a defining part of a cinematic experience.
Take, for example, simple yet iconic soundbites like the two alternating notes from Jaws (1975) or the strings in Psycho (1960). Separated from the context of the scene, these soundbites may not make sense but have become so recognizable in the public sphere to the point of parody.
Different moods for different films require different approaches. Rocky’s (1976) “Gonna Fly Now”, for example, provides a sense of anticipation as the title character runs up the 72 steps to Philadelphia Museum of Art, while “The Imperial March” signals the ominous arrival of Star Wars’ main villain Darth Vader.
Composer Ifa Fachir, who worked on the 2018 remake of Keluarga Cemara (Cemara Family) said the key to composing soundbites and musical scores for films was synergy with the director.
“There are several composers who state that their job is the only role the director cannot perform. The director is typically not a musician or a composer, so we basically continue the filmmaking process in ways they are unable to,” Ifa told The Jakarta Post recently.
Ifa highlighted a part in Keluarga Cemara in which there is no musical melody to accompany the scene, only the character’s footsteps over leaves on the ground.
