Interaction Task Stage 2 Media Studies #527030F

In what ways have movie soundtracks changed over time? 0 Before recording sound in films was possible, films relied on in- house pianist or entire orchestras who were given a cue sheet. 0 The Jazz Singer (1927) was the first feature-length film that used the sound-on-disc system 0 Sound-on-disc was a system used to record and playback sound in sync with a film 0 Easy Rider (1969) was the first film that used already existent music 0 From then, using existent music in film soundtracks grew in popularity

List the movie music you like most as a child 0 Mr Bean goes to America 0 Harry Potter 0 Toy Story 0 Shrek 0 Monsters Inc. 0 Donnie Darko 0 Chicken Run 0 The Parent Trap 0 Underdog 0 Home Alone 0 Holes 0 Spy Kids

What did you like about the music? 0 When I was younger, I preferred the soundtrack of cartoons. Cartoon soundtracks that created a typically light hearted atmosphere and was meaningful my younger ears 0 I liked the Disney films where the soundtrack wasn’t comprised of pre-made music and songs, but beautifully composed orchestral music that would send tingles down the spines of the Audience. Like the 1989 The Little Mermaid composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman who wrote the lyrics 0 Looney Tunes cartoons also used soundtracks without words in them. The sound effects that were used created a comical feeling to the cartoon and added ‘silly’ humor to the cartoons.

What did you like about the music? 0 Live action films that used music that added suspense to the film. However it wasn’t it I was older that live action film soundtracks became more appealing. The British spy parody Johnny English composed by Edward Shearmur is the earliest film I remember that used suspenseful soundtracks 0 Cartoon film soundtracks were always easier to listen too and made better background music as opposed to Live action films which were more typically in your face style soundtracks.

What movie music do you currently like? Describe what it is you like about this music 0 I like soundtracks that act as an extra character in a film. For example in the classic Middlesex High scene in 2001 film Donnie Darko where Tears for Fears Head-over-heels is played. Despite the scene having no dialogue, the soundtrack tells the tale of Donnie Darko. 0 I still enjoy big symphony/orchestral music, which was made popular through its use in the Harry Potter films. The soundtrack complemented the big anatomic shots of Hogwarts and surrounds.

What movie music do you currently like? Describe what it is you like about this music (cont) 0 A recent film, The Kings Speech, used very little music-based scores but more symphony’s and piano solos, which complemented the genre. 0 Love Actually composed by Craig Armstrong - was another film I enjoyed because of the wide range of songs that made up the soundtrack. However the songs were based around the theme of love, the variation of the music from classics to modern day pieces complemented the ever changing storyline. For example ‘Rose’ by James Horner which was used in the 1997 film Titanic and modern style songs like ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey.

Has your taste changed over time? Why or why not? 0 My taste has changed as I have become more media savvy and are able to listen to soundtracks in a more meaningful way than just as background music. 0 As I have been exposed to a wider range of genres of films, my taste has also changed. From sound effects used in cartoons to more drama and comedy films. 0 Really my taste in soundtracks changes depending on the genre of the film. I wouldn’t rock music in a historical film, nor deep and meaningful music used in say comedy film

What might you like in the future? Do some crystal ball gazing. 0 My tastes will probably shift towards film that use simple and classic music, as opposed to scores packed with pre-made songs 0 Also older style films that use very simple orchestral soundtracks will more suit my changing tastes 0 Non-American movies and their soundtracks