The invention of motion picture cameras and the establishment of film production companies began in the 1890’s. As the medium progressed from silent films to talkies, music always played an integral part throughout its development. An original music score written by a skilled composer enhances the film and is an essential aspect of the movie going experience.
Assignment
Students are required to write a paper discussing a Film Score (not songs) from a movie of your choice.
For example, if you watched the movie “Star Wars”, you would talk about the film score that John Williams composed. The film score is the background music that serves the film and helps the visual tell the story.
Or if you choose the movie Titanic, you would discuss James Horner’s film score, not the big hit song “My Heart Will Go On” that Celine Dion sang.
Just remember that I don’t want you to talk about any songs that might be used in the movie. For this reason, musicals should be avoided since they are primarily song based.
There are many films to review besides the obvious ones, so be sure to check out the link at the bottom of the assignment prompt for ideas.
This assignment is worth 5 points.
Discuss the following in your paper:
Concise plot synopsis of the film (No more than three sentences)
Brief background of the composer
How the score supports the movie
Instrumentation/Orchestration. Describe the score using appropriate musical terminology.
As you listen to the music think about musical terms such as tempo, dynamics, phrasing, texture, melody, harmony, rhythm and emotion
Remember, when writing your paper, the movie plot and the composer’s background should be brief. Focus on how the film score serves the film and helps the visual tell the story.
General Guidelines:
Name your file using this format: Last Name_First Name_RP_MUS 116
Minimum 2-pages typed, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins
Include your name, the instructor’s name, the course number and the due date
Write in your own words, check your grammar and spelling and do not plagiarize
A bibliography is optional; use footnotes when appropriate
All Research Papers should be turned in as PDF. I’ll also accept Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx) or Rich Text Format (.rtf).
Honesty is the foundation of good academic work. Follow this advice:
Do not submit papers that have been done for a previous class
Never submit papers which have been prepared or “co-authored” by others
Don’t copy ideas, data or exact wording without citing your source
https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-film-scores-of-all-time
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|