Movie Music: From the Matrix to Drive

In a recent Facebook exchange after announcing the Finalists for the Atlanta 48 Hour Film Project (note: I’m the city co-producer, and CL Arts editor Debbie Michaud served as a juror), a cheeky poster inquired about whether 48HFP issued an award for music commenting, “Music...always the wicked stepchild and usually makes up 1/2 of a film ”

It’s true.

Music plays a major role in the success of a great film, coloring the atmosphere, setting the tone, and adding emotional depth. There’s a delicate balance between being too obvious and being too subtle with music. So many classic films feel corny because they veer headlong into cheese-factory strings, overwrought with emotion. On the flip side, music that is too subtle fades into the distance, lost in the mix.

Great movie music finds a sweet spot, complimenting other elements of the film.

Two events scheduled for the next few weeks feature musical elements from movies:

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