There are numerous elements in films that contribute to the development of an immersive story and world. The visual aspects can include lighting, character designs, and backgrounds, and they can all help make the audience more invested in the film or emphasize a particular scene. But sound, such as music and background noises, is also impactful in several ways.
Music, for example, has a significant effect on scenes in films by evoking emotions that match the overall tone of the film. This is one way the music used in film soundtracks is contrasted with more classical music. The music in films is usually meant to be part of the whole experience. It’s often meant to be combined with the visuals and, in numerous cases, the dialogue and other sound effects to further immerse the audience in the unique world of the movie itself. Overall, soundtrack music is meant to help make scenes memorable.
Still, much like other forms of music, the instrumentals used in many soundtrack pieces are still impactful when listened to alone. The instrumentals can be used to convey specific emotions, both by themselves and when combined with the scenes in the film. Below is an example of one song from the 2014 film titled Interstellar. The first video is the song by itself, with no accompanying visuals or sound effects.
Here, the instrumentals are consistently soft, yet start out quieter before increasing in volume. It’s also somewhat rapid, emphasizing a desire to reach something quickly. Here is the actual scene in the film, which is combined with other sound effects, such as the vehicle moving quickly and the plants cracking repeatedly. The characters here were trying to quickly follow another object, and the fast pace of the music combined with the sound effects contributes to the tone of the scene and highlights their emotions and desires. It helps the viewers feel the same sense of determination the characters felt. This is just one example of numerous songs in a variety of films that help establish the tone of a scene or convey the emotions of the characters.
The soundtracks of films don’t just contribute to the feeling of certain scenes. Some studies have shown that it also can influence the way viewers connect to the characters in the films. Certain types of music can help make characters seem more sympathetic, especially if the character’s dialogue or expressions are already meant to evoke sympathy. Soundtracks can help make characters more likable, even if they’re not necessarily sympathetic.
Sound effects themselves can also create an effective atmosphere, even outside of music. Every sound can help create a distinct environment in the film and can emphasize the setting the characters are in. A setting full of computers or futuristic technology often has distinct sounds that distinguish them from a quieter park outside. Additionally, much like music, certain sound effects can help evoke emotions. Some sounds could signify a sense of urgency, while others could create a peaceful environment where both the characters and viewers are calm.