Psychology of film music: Why it works Film music has special abilities: it evokes emotions, changes the perception of scenes, and engages the audience more deeply in the plot. But why does film music have such a powerful effect on us? The answer lies in the psychology of listening and emotional processing. In this article, … Read more
The art of minimalist film music Minimalist film music focuses on conveying profound emotions using the simplest means possible. It eschews complex arrangements in favor of repetition, simplicity, and subtle variation. In this article, we’ll explore how, when, and why minimalist film music works—and how it’s used in different films. What is minimalist film music? … Read more
How music shapes expectations in films – and how this creates tension Music is a central element in creating tension in a movie. Tension is “only” the condensed form of a much more fundamental psychological mechanism – anticipation. Music can be used to shape, modulate and contrast emotional anticipations. The targeted use of melody, rhythm … Read more