Underscoring: The Unsung Hero of Film and TV
When watching a film or TV show, have you ever found yourself so engrossed in the visual spectacle that you forget about the music? That’s because it’s doing its job perfectly. Underscoring is an essential element of filmmaking that often goes unnoticed but can make all the difference in creating a memorable scene.
Underscoring refers to the background music used in films and television shows to enhance the emotional impact of a scene. It sets the tone for what’s happening on screen, whether it’s an action-packed chase or a heart-wrenching breakup. Underscoring can be as subtle as a single piano note, or as bombastic as an entire orchestra.
One of the most famous examples of effective underscoring can be found in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster Jaws. John Williams’ iconic two-note melody has become synonymous with impending danger and suspense, even when heard outside of the context of the movie. Williams’ score was so effective that it helped turn Jaws into one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
But underscoring isn’t just limited to big-budget blockbusters like Jaws. It plays a crucial role in every genre, from romantic comedies to horror movies. In fact, some would argue that it’s even more important in smaller-scale productions where there aren’t any flashy special effects to distract viewers from lackluster music.
Take Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, for instance. Composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein created a synth-heavy soundtrack that perfectly captures both the nostalgia-laden setting and eerie atmosphere of Hawkins, Indiana. Without their moody score tying everything together, Stranger Things wouldn’t have been nearly as successful at immersing viewers into its world.
Of course, not all underscored scenes are designed to elicit fear or sadness. Sometimes they’re just there to make us laugh. Comedy films often use music to subvert audience expectations and exaggerate the humor on screen. In Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead, for example, Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” plays over a scene where Simon Pegg and Nick Frost use pool cues to fight off zombies in a pub. The upbeat energy of the song contrasts with the gruesome violence on display, resulting in one of the most memorable scenes in modern comedy.
Despite being such an integral part of filmmaking, underscoring doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. At awards shows like the Oscars or Emmys, categories for Best Original Score or Best Music Supervision are often relegated to technical awards that don’t receive much attention from viewers at home.
But even if they’re not talked about as much as other aspects of film and TV production, composers and music supervisors know just how important their work is in creating an immersive viewing experience. So next time you find yourself lost in a movie or show, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that went into crafting its musical score – it might just be what made you fall in love with it in the first place.