Research Post

 Hi! Since I was absent in class for the first group meeting so I obviously don't have anything to blog about it I will be doing a research post on music within films of the coming-of-age genre. Music is a very important part of films as it works a long side visual effects to deepen storytelling, adding another level of emotion visuals cannot provide on their own. Music doesn't always necessarily have to be a song but it can also be a reoccurring sound that over the course of the film(s) becomes associated with a specific character/image. For example, the Jaws theme song is used to let viewer know danger is approaching, instilling fear in the audience without directly showing that there is a shark. 

 Music is also used in films to set the tone of the film, this is why music is so often used in opening, it gives the viewer a taste of what's in store. For example, the 2004 film 13 Going on 30 uses the song "Head Over Heels" by The Go- Go's in the opening credits for the film. This song has an upbeat tune which reflects the films overall fun, dance-filled, romantic tone. 

 

Another example of a coming-of-age film that uses music within its opening is the 2009 Disney film Princess Protection Program. The music played within the first few minutes of the film has an edgy-pop tune which reflects the Selena Gomez's character Carter Mason, as she is known in the film for being a spunky tomboy, directly the opposite of her co-star Demi Lovato's  character, Princess Rosalinda/Rosie, who is a princess that goes to live with Carter and her dad. 

For this project, my group and I definitely want to include music within our film opening to emphasize the characters youthful aura and teenage angst. We have found a song ("It Wont Always Be Like This" by Inhaler) that we would love to include in our film opening. My group and I have already reached out to the band to ask permission to use the song via email and are waiting for a response back (I will keep you updated!)

Resources: 

Setting the Tone: The Crucial Role of Music in Movies. (2024, May 21). East End Arts. https://eastendarts.org/music-in-movies/

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