In his book Amusing Ourselves To Death, Neil Postman comments on the evening news and that it (almost) always begins with music. ♫Da Da Da Duh. Ba Ba Buh.♫ "I'm Dan Rather. And here's the news." Why the music? Why the need for a jaunty tune? What does it communicate? This *is* entertainment. On 9/11, the evening news aired without music. They recognized this serious occasion was not entertainment. And while, movies are entertainment (more on that later too), the director (or producer's) of The Hunger Games made a deliberate decision not to include a deep, full score. I want to think that he recognized the seriousness of the subject matter. The Reaping. The Games. The Evil of the Capitol. It doesn't need musical accompaniment. The gravity of the matter can speak for itself.
The above being said, I am growing quite attached to the Songs from District 12 and Beyond inspired by The Hunger Games CD. Maroon 5 has an AMAZING song detailing the attitudes of some tributes. My thoughts exactly.
To the ones that are waiting only for you.
Come away little lass come away to the water,
Away from the light you that you always knew.
We are calling to you.
Come away little lad come away to the darkness,
In the shade of the night we will come looking for you.
Come away little lad come away to the darkness,
To the ones appointed to see it through.
We are coming for you.
We are coming for you.
Give yourself so we may live anew.
Come away little lamb come away to the slaughter,
To the ones appointed to see it through.
We are coming for you.
We are coming for you.
Come away little lamb come away to the water,
To the arms that are waiting only for you.
Come away little lamb come away to the slaughter,
To the one appointed to see it through.
We are coming for you.
We are coming for you.
We are coming for you.
We are coming for you.
Picture Credit: Kinopoisk and Google Image Search
I think your point about music is fascinating, though I need to ponder over it a bit more. My initial thoughts are that I disagree that music in and of itself relegates something to entertainment; rather good music can actually stimulate our brains to remember more and process information better. On the other hand, the reverse is also true. Some types of music can hurt brain function and affect our mood and ability to think logically. Quite often it is this type of emotionally charged music which we use in our culture. It doesn't help us think, in fact it hinders our brains from thinking too deeply. But it does give an emotional rush, which is what we too often seek rather than rational thinking. That's when music is purely entertainment - or should I say amusement?
ReplyDeleteSuch a interesting study! I've often thought I'd love to pursue a degree in music therapy.
"Music in and of itself relegates something to entertainment." Hmm. Well, I didn't want to communicate that. Music is an integral part of worship. And worship is not (and should not be considered as) entertainment.
ReplyDelete"Good music can actually stimulate our brains to remember more and process information better." And some movies have superb music! LOTR wouldn't be half of what it is without Howard Shore's amazing composition.
What I'm attempting to argue (and apparently not well!) is that there is a proper place for music. And in argument or discussion music can detract and make light of serious matters. The Hunger Games is not just a story. It is a treatise against excess in government and culture that plays out in a fictional world. It seems to me that its weighty subject matter deserves to be taken more seriously than your average popcorn flick. The absence of a score contributes to a somber mood.
Thanks for commenting, friend! You never cease to sharpen my iron!
Music therapy? Really?! Awesome! Tell me all about it. I'm all about study!
Ooo! And please do comment again when you've formulated more thoughts. :)
ReplyDeleteI <3 that soundtrack. We're so taking it to the beach! :o)
ReplyDelete