Silent Films: Use of Music

A silent movie can be reinterpreted numerous times by composing a new musical score for it. In our case, our movie can be something unique and have a completely different meaning depending on the soundtrack we use because the concept is fluid throughout numerous genres.

Characters in silent films often have themes which helps to define them because of the lack of speech that is usually used to help create a character's identity. However whilst using music in a silent film it is vital to be aware of every joke and how it is portrayed through body language because music can be overpowering and may become the point of focus rather than the narrative.

The common 'climbing concept' in silent films where the protagonist tries to get a desired object but fails multiple times is usually supported by a whole tonal scale. Each time that the character fails and has to start the task again, the accompanying tonal scale also starts again to represent a repetitive process through music rather than speech. Slapstick gags that are used have a carefully planned rhythm that is in sync with the music so that the action and music fit together perfectly in time.

Berklee Silent Film Orchestra - "Punches and Streamers" documentary film

This short documentary film describes in detail the importance of accompanying music to silent films.