Sound technique · used in 3 films
Writing music that imitates an older style, such as the lush themes of classic romances. The familiar sound sets up an ironic or uneasy contrast with what you see.
Examples
Stanley Kubrick · 1962
Nelson Riddle and Bob Harris wrote music that sounds like the themes of old Hollywood romances. The sweet, glossy sound runs against what is happening on screen. The recurring dance number heard on the radio later became a single, 'Lolita Ya Ya'.
Where to see it: The main theme over the story. It sounds like a standard romance theme while the story gets darker.
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen · 2008
Composer Carter Burwell and the Coens chose a loud, percussive score with Japanese taiko drums. They wanted it to sound big and important while meaning nothing. The drums puff up a story about gym employees and a lost disc.
Where to see it: Chad and Linda's blackmail attempt. They try to get a reward from Osborne for a disc they think is full of secrets.
Francis Ford Coppola · 2024
Composer Osvaldo Golijov wrote a Roman suite inspired by the old Ben-Hur score, and a love theme in the style of a Tchaikovsky romance. The brass and drums tell you this is meant to be a grand epic before anyone speaks. It also sets up the film's argument that a modern city is a Roman one.
Where to see it: The opening: the score starts with drums and booming brass in the manner of a Roman epic as the film sets up New Rome.
Questions
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