How film scores are secret ingredients to great films
By Kendrick Sims on January 31, 2024
As regular film buff, me saying that watching, learning about and discussing films in great detail is a regular hobby of mine…is a bit of an understatement. In some ways, a its a way of life that you’re always picking up on through watches and re-watches of many classic and modern films, and even television to an extent. There is so much that regularly goes into the making of any film or tv project, from the writers generating the ideas and the directors seeing them brought to life, to the technical personnel to create the world through scenery, make-up and effects, to the many stage crews all with a job to do. And we certainly can’t forget the producers who have to reign all of it together.
But what really helps to make a film stand out and last through all the years, regardless of genre, are the film scores. The compositions from great composers that connect with audiences more than just on a visual level. With the first few notes of a theme, motif, movement or even a familiar musical style can bring film visuals directly to the mind from memory or imagination. Imagine Star Wars without the iconic John Williams fanfare as the opening title crawls, or Clint Eastwood facing down gunfighters in a tense showdown without Ennio Morricone’s haunting harmonica and whistles. And while the absence of sound can certainly create unease, imagine the many horror films without the shocking stingers that throw off your senses as you face unimaginable horrors with the characters. Film scores add that little extra spice to an already impressive feast.
This is why a show like The Score-Board! here on NR92 exists. Because all to often we know about the film, and a passing knowledge of the music, but not often on who writes them and how large a body of work they created throughout their lives. Join me, DJ Kendrick Sims, every Wednesday from 7 to 8 pm on NR92.com for some iconic scores of one composer (or more), a little film history and see which cinematic maestro shows up on The Score-Board!