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Composing For Film (Action/Adventure (Guardians of the Galaxy Main Theme…
Composing For Film
Action/Adventure
Guardians of the Galaxy Main Theme by Tyler Bates
Large, epic orchestral composition
String sections build tension using choppy notes, high notes, descending melodies like spirals, fast tempo
Also provide very light, sombre sections to portray emotions, usually sadness or romance
Powerful voices heard over everything, shouting to convey scenes of conflict and panic
Brass used as underlaying, deep accompaniment, adding depth
Percussion in the form of big drums and cymbals, complimenting the feel of a large
battle with a scene of urgency from the drums increasing in tempo
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Mid way through the theme, the movement slows down a lot, still using chopping violins to represent urgency, but also using strings and voices over the top playing long and graceful notes. This section feels much more peaceful yet still full of action. Returns back to the darker tones but into the leitmotif again to signify the coming together of the Guardians
Horror
Piano and percussion used to signify time with a ticking sound, acting as a constant pressure as it repeats through-out
This returns multiple times, acting as a form of leitmotif of time running out
Low, dissonant brass accompanies strings, offering the suspenseful deep end
Modern drum and sampled beats come and go, creating a feel of a song as opposed to film score, leaking reality into the horror which adds to the uncomfortable feeling
The later on addition of distorted and dissonant guitar compliments the dark vibe of the theme, linking in with dark rock-based music
Sharp, fast, high notes from strings create as sound of panic and builds this panic up rapidly
Adventure/Comedy
Pee Wee's Big Adventure Breakfast Machine Theme by Danny Elfman
Quirky and fun instruments e.g. xylophones, toy-like - fits the setting and scene of toy filled fun house
Constant, fast-walk pace that represents the pace of the movie and the main character
Fast paced and upbeat, odd melodies to match Pee Wee, the main character (leitmotif)
Differing melodies played over each other to create a sense of a busy scene. Loud sections introduced randomly to enhance the chaos
Marching band style sections, representing clockwork like Breakfast Machine. Loud and bombastic - increases dynamic range and adds to the wacky sound
Family/Comedy
Home Alone Theme Song by John Williams
Intro starts off light and innocent to feel like a happy family film, however then the main melody starts to introduce a minor, more menacing theme creating an uncomfortable feeling, especially with the introduction of the deep brass
Flutes, xylophones and bells work together to create the child-like Christmasy sound
Has an overall childlike, nursery rhyme feel with the twinkling lead melody. Very Christmasy to match the holiday the films are set in.