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How do movie soundtracks shape our perceptions of film and television?

Nilda Standeven

Well my dear friend, I think movie soundtracks play an incredibly powerful role in shaping our perceptions of film and television. On one hand, they help to set the tone and mood of a scene, while on the other, they can also evoke specific emotions and even manipulate our reactions to certain characters and plotlines.

One of the primary ways in which soundtracks affect our perceptions of film and television is through their ability to set the mood. Imagine if you will a romantic scene in a movie, where two characters are sharing a kiss on a moonlit beach. Now imagine that same scene, but instead of a soft and romantic melody playing in the background, imagine a loud and abrasive hip hop beat. The entire mood of the scene has changed, and suddenly rather than feeling romantic and dreamy, it feels jarring and out of place.

Furthermore, soundtracks can also help to evoke specific emotions and manipulate our reactions. Take for example the iconic shower scene from Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." Without the screeching violins that accompany Janet Leigh's murder, the scene would still be frightening, but not nearly as effective. The soundtrack builds tension and creates a sense of urgency, sinking its claws deep into our emotions and manipulating us into feeling anxious and afraid.

But beyond simply setting the mood or manipulating our emotions, soundtracks can also help to create deeper connections between the viewer and the characters on screen. Think about how the "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack helps to convey the epic scale of the story and make us feel as though we are a part of the journey with Frodo and his companions. Or how the hauntingly beautiful "Schindler's List" soundtrack helps to make the horrors of the Holocaust feel more personal and affecting.

In this way, movie soundtracks can act as a sort of emotional glue, binding us to the characters and stories in a way that might not be possible without their influence. They can also help to highlight important themes and motifs, drawing our attention to deeper layers of meaning that might not be immediately apparent.

In short, movie soundtracks are an incredibly powerful tool in the filmmaker's arsenal, shaping our perceptions of film and television in both subtle and profound ways. They can set the mood, evoke emotions, create connections, and highlight themes that might otherwise go unnoticed. As such, they are an integral part of the cinematic experience and are worthy of our attention and appreciation.