09 Sep 2017

What would your favorite movie sound like without a score?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch your favorite movie without its iconic soundtrack? Romantic scenes would be less moving. Action scenes would be less gripping. And don’t get us started on what would happen to musicals!

One of the best parts of performing films in concert is the music brings the story to life and helps narrate the movie in a way that even the best dialogue cannot.

In honor of our Films in Concert series, here are some of the best reasons why we need music in our movies:

Some movies would be PAINFULLY awkward without music

Who doesn’t love a movie where the heroes come off triumphant in the end? Those moments deserve some sort of fanfare to set the mood.

A great example is the throne room scene from Star Wars’ “A New Hope.” But you never realize how long of a walk it is for Luke Skywalker and Han Solo to receive their medals when the room is awkwardly silent. Chewbacca’s blood-curdling screams put the cherry on top of a less-than-triumphant moment in a music-less scene.

For reference, here’s what it sounds like with John Williams’ genius score:

Movies (and life) are boring without a soundtrack

Have you ever gone to the gym and had forgotten your headphones? You probably didn’t feel as motivated to exercise. You know who can relate? Rocky.

When you take the iconic music out of this scene, his exercise routine becomes tedious and even makes you feel exhausted. Music makes a huge difference even for mundane moments like driving to work or writing a paper.

A good soundtrack sets the mood of the scene

An epic adventure needs an epic score. Just ask the people who worked on Lord of the Rings. This award-winning score by Howard Shore makes you feel as if you are on a grand adventure with these beloved characters.

But what would it sound like if the music were different? This video shows how humorous it would really be: