Hi all,

     I thought I’d diverge a bit from the structured material I normally post and discuss something a little more fun. Whether it be from special effects or picking the right song to go with a scene, one of the best parts about filmmaking is incorporating sound.

     Sound is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal because it directly taps into the viewer’s emotions. Films do this in a number of ways, but to demonstrate this best I’m going to introduce you to some awesome examples of music montages in film. The first is from Wes Anderson’s Royal Tenenbaums with the song Needle in the Hay by Elliot Smith.  

     Notice how even without context, the montage tells a story. Also note how the scene uses music to influence the viewer’s perspective of the mood of the film. It also makes good use of silence as a tool as well, which many films forget to do.

     Another classic example is from Richard Kelly's Donnie Darko with the song Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears.

     This montage is excellent for not only incorporating a fitting song that matches the pace of the plot, but it also advances the storyline as well.

     Music is a great way to connect with the audience and to create a better feel for your film. So next time you’re planning out a script, challenge yourself and put in a montage!

     If you guys have any of your own favorite montages in film, let me know! See you next Friday at 7 p.m. for a lesson on how to plan before filming.