If there is a partnership in the world that has been better for the arts, I’m not sure I know what it is. Movies can be told without music, but they are generally much more dull. Music adds so much emotion and so much energy to a movie it’s not even funny. Even the lack of music in a part of a movie can help to emphasize the music that does happen in another part of a movie.
Even more telling at this point is how music plays a role in advertising a movie. Not many trailers for movies come out that don’t have music written for them. Take a moment to listen around and see if you find a trailer without some sort of music in it. I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a good one.
I’m becoming acutely aware of it because of the fact that I’m starting to get calls to create custom music for trailers and it’s a rather nice change from having to make the calls to see what’s needed. I never really anticipated getting into this area of the music business, yet I’m enjoying because it’s a challenge and it keeps me on my toes. I also helps my songwriting for my own music.
If there is a former rockstar turned composer for film and tv that has made a bigger splash than Danny Elfman, I’m not sure I know who it would be. Danny has written a slew of themes that we all probably recognize and love, or possibly hate. But then that’s the nature of a musical genius. You’ll either love them or hate them right?
Here’s a piece of music from a Batman movie that showcases in a very short period the type of musical runs that Danny is known for in his themes. Pay attention and see if you can hear any shows that might match some of the music you’re hearing here.
Enjoy!