Since the early days of cinema, there has always been a creative marriage between film and music. Before movies had built in sound or dialogue, live music was played in movie theaters to add atmosphere and emotion. When you watch a lot of the early post silent era movies from the 1930's, you'll still hear music but you won't hear it from beginning to end. It wasn't necessary because the viewers could now hear sounds coming from the mouths of the characters. Most of the music in those movies is played during the beginning, the end, and during transitions.

Even though the face of cinema keeps changing for better or for worse, film scores have not lost their power. In 1975, "Jaws" made a lot of people afraid to swim in the ocean. The "Jaws" score by John Williams definitely makes the appearance of that shark all the more frightening. Bernard Herrmann's score was very effective in the shower sequence from the Alfred Hitchcock thriller "Psycho". The score for "Back to The Future" composed by Alan Silvestri added extra excitement to the time travel adventure that only had about 32 special effects. "Avatar" will not only be remembered for the lifelike 3D special effects but it will also be remembered for the powerful score by James Horner. Last year, my father introduced me to the classic "The Great Escape". Everytime I talk to him about the movie, he whistles that joyful score from that movie by Elmer Bernstein.

There are many TV shows from the past and present that are remembered for their theme songs. Certain products are remembered not only for their trademarks but also for their catchy jingles. Soap operas will always be remembered for their cheap and cheesy music. There are many movies that will always be remembered for their score.

If you are a filmmaker, or aspire to be one, remember how much impact your film's musical score can have.

"Fast musical notes on a music sheet" courtesy Horia Varlan via Flickr Creative Commons