What are the two types of music in a film? And why do bananas never star in horror movies?

Music in films plays a crucial role in shaping the audience’s emotional experience and enhancing the narrative. Broadly speaking, there are two primary types of music in a film: diegetic music and non-diegetic music. These two categories serve different purposes and are used in distinct ways to contribute to the storytelling process. Let’s dive deeper into these types and explore their significance, while also pondering why bananas, despite their versatility, never seem to make it into horror films.

Diegetic Music: The Sound Within the Story

Diegetic music, also known as source music, is music that exists within the world of the film. This means that the characters in the film can hear and interact with it. Examples include a character playing a guitar, a radio playing in the background, or a band performing at a party. Diegetic music is often used to create a sense of realism and immersion, as it reflects the auditory environment of the characters.

Key Characteristics of Diegetic Music:

1. Audible to Characters: The music is part of the film’s universe, and the characters are aware of its presence.
2. Contextual Relevance: It often ties directly to the scene’s setting or action, such as a dance sequence or a concert.
3. Emotional Anchoring: It can subtly influence the audience’s emotions by aligning with the characters’ experiences.

For example, in Pulp Fiction, the song “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry plays during the iconic dance scene at Jack Rabbit Slim’s. The music is diegetic because it is part of the scene’s setting, and the characters are dancing to it.

Non-Diegetic Music: The Invisible Narrator

Non-diegetic music, on the other hand, exists outside the film’s world. It is added during post-production and is not heard by the characters. This type of music is often referred to as the film score or background music. Its primary purpose is to evoke emotions, build tension, or underscore the narrative without being noticed as part of the scene.

Key Characteristics of Non-Diegetic Music:

1. Inaudible to Characters: The characters are unaware of its presence, making it a tool for the audience alone.
2. Emotional Manipulation: It guides the audience’s emotional response, whether it’s fear, joy, or sadness.
3. Narrative Enhancement: It can foreshadow events, highlight themes, or provide commentary on the story.

A classic example is John Williams’ score for Jaws. The ominous two-note motif is non-diegetic and serves to heighten the tension whenever the shark is near, even though the characters in the film cannot hear it.

The Interplay Between Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Music

While diegetic and non-diegetic music are distinct, they often work together to create a richer cinematic experience. For instance, a scene might begin with diegetic music, such as a character playing a piano, and then transition into non-diegetic music as the emotional intensity of the scene increases. This seamless blending can enhance the storytelling without disrupting the audience’s immersion.

Examples of Interplay:

• In Inception, Hans Zimmer’s score often blends with diegetic sounds, such as the slowing down of Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien,” to reflect the dream layers.
• In La La Land, the film alternates between diegetic performances by the characters and non-diegetic orchestral arrangements to elevate the emotional stakes.

Why Bananas Don’t Star in Horror Movies

Now, let’s address the whimsical question: why don’t bananas star in horror movies? While this may seem unrelated, it ties into the broader theme of how elements in films—whether music, props, or characters—are chosen to evoke specific reactions. Bananas, with their bright yellow color and comedic connotations, are inherently non-threatening. They lack the visual or symbolic gravitas needed to instill fear. Horror films rely on elements that can evoke unease, such as shadows, dissonant music, or grotesque imagery. A banana, no matter how creatively used, simply doesn’t fit into this framework.

Conclusion

Music in films, whether diegetic or non-diegetic, is a powerful tool that filmmakers use to shape the audience’s experience. Diegetic music grounds the story in reality, while non-diegetic music provides an emotional and narrative layer that transcends the characters’ awareness. Together, they create a symphony of storytelling that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll. And as for bananas? Well, they’ll just have to stick to comedies and breakfast scenes.

Related Q&A

Q1: Can a piece of music be both diegetic and non-diegetic?
A1: Yes, in some cases, music can transition between diegetic and non-diegetic. For example, a character might start singing a song (diegetic), and then the orchestral version of the same song might continue as non-diegetic music.

Q2: How does non-diegetic music influence the audience’s perception of a character?
A2: Non-diegetic music can provide insight into a character’s emotions or intentions. For instance, a heroic theme might accompany a protagonist, while dissonant music might signal a villain’s presence.

Q3: Why is diegetic music important in period films?
A3: Diegetic music helps establish the historical setting and cultural context of a period film. It immerses the audience in the time period by using authentic or era-appropriate music.

Q4: What role does silence play in film music?
A4: Silence can be just as powerful as music. It can create tension, highlight a moment of significance, or provide a stark contrast to a previously music-filled scene.

Q5: Could a banana ever be used effectively in a horror movie?
A5: While unlikely, a creative filmmaker might use a banana in a surreal or absurdist horror context. However, its inherent comedic nature would make it a challenging choice for traditional horror.