Blockbuster Films of the 1970s

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the rise of blockbuster films in the 1970s?

  • To promote films with historical narratives
  • To create smaller budget independent films
  • To attract a youth and children's market (correct)
  • To experiment with new film technologies

What characterizes the tone of many films produced in the 1970s prior to the rise of blockbuster films?

  • Epic romances with grand storytelling
  • Gritty, realistic, and cynical narratives (correct)
  • Light-hearted comedies with no serious undertones
  • Optimistic and idealistic themes

Which filmmaker is NOT mentioned as part of the new generation of filmmakers in the 1970s?

  • Martin Scorsese
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Quentin Tarantino (correct)
  • Francis Ford Coppola

How did the new generation of filmmakers view the concept of a film canon?

<p>As an important influence worthy of study (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which musical element is noted in relation to the film 'Jaws'?

<p>Main theme reminiscent of Stravinsky’s work (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes blockbuster films from earlier 1970s films in terms of music?

<p>They include more central and elaborate music (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the origins of the term 'blockbuster'?

<p>A military term for a bomb that can destroy a block (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary factor for the decline in film attendance during the 1970s?

<p>An increase in television viewership (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the development of portable synthesizers in the 1960s primarily achieve?

<p>They allowed more musicians to experiment with synthesized sounds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques was NOT indicated as a characteristic of the score for 'Halloween'?

<p>Complex orchestration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context is the meter of the music described as potentially being felt as 10-beat or 5-beat?

<p>The score created for the film 'Austin' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the character Michael Myers is reflected in the movie's score?

<p>Repetitive ostinato patterns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of 'Halloween's' production significantly influenced its musical score?

<p>The low budget of the film (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sound manipulation technique became more prominent in film scoring thanks to developments in synthesizer technology?

<p>Sound synthesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotional effect achieved through the music in 'Psycho' as mentioned?

<p>A physical shock due to suddenness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the music in the Austin album distinguish itself according to the speaker's observations?

<p>By layering synthesized and recognizable sounds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common feature in horror movie scores does 'Halloween' exemplify through its music?

<p>Repetitive patterns creating tension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which movie's synthesized score was specifically created by Wendy Carlos?

<p>'A Clockwork Orange' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which film is known for the iconic two-note theme score created by John Williams?

<p>Jaws (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic aspect of John Williams' scoring style as influenced by Igor Stravinsky?

<p>Complex rhythmic patterns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which director did John Williams frequently collaborate with on iconic film scores?

<p>George Lucas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What musical style primarily influenced the score for 'Star Wars'?

<p>Romantic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the main theme associated with Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars'?

<p>Heroic and adventurous (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Princess Leia's theme differ from typical romantic themes in film?

<p>It contrasts with her character's portrayal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the film 'Halloween', what significant technological development influenced its electronic score?

<p>Advancement of portable synthesizers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Han Solo’s theme music in 'Star Wars'?

<p>Jazz that serves as background source music (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theme is associated with Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars'?

<p>Melodic and slow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of score was notably prevalent during the classic film era?

<p>Classic orchestral scores (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the music in 'Star Wars' signal changes in the story?

<p>It aligns with character introductions and story changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the music used in the cantina scene of 'Star Wars'?

<p>Ambiguous and unclear jazz (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which composer is noted as a particular influence on John Williams' scoring for 'Star Wars'?

<p>Erich Wolfgang Korngold (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique does John Williams often use to enhance the connection between themes and character destinies?

<p>Motifs that are immediately recognizable (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Blockbuster

Films designed to appeal to a wide audience and generate significant box office revenue.

1970s Film Trend

A period in film history characterized by a shift towards grittier, more realistic and cynical storytelling.

Film Canon

A collection of works considered to be the most significant and influential in a particular field.

Canonization in Film

The process of establishing a work of art as a standard example for study and appreciation.

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New Generation of Filmmakers

A group of filmmakers known for their artistic vision and commercial success, who emerged in the 1970s.

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Musical Irony

The use of music in a way that contradicts or subverts the tone or mood of the scene.

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Leitmotif

A musical theme or melody associated with a character, place, or idea in a film.

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Music in Film

The use of music to enhance the emotional impact or mood of a scene in a film.

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Ostinato

Repetitive musical patterns used to create tension and suspense in film music.

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Asymmetrical Meter

A musical meter with an uneven beat, often used to create a sense of discomfort or uneasiness.

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Chromaticism

A musical technique that uses a series of notes that are not in a standard musical scale, emphasizing the sounds' dissonant quality.

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Synthesized Piano Sound

A type of music that sounds similar to regular piano music but is actually created using electronic instruments.

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Layering

A musical technique that incorporates multiple layers of sound to create a fuller and more complex sonic experience.

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"Psycho" Murder Theme

A musical theme used in the film "Psycho" that creates a sense of shock and unease with its high-pitched, sudden appearance.

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Film Scoring

The use of music to create a desired emotional or atmospheric effect in a film.

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Sound Synthesis

Creating different sounds by manipulating sound waves using electronic devices.

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Electronic Music

A genre of music that uses electronic instruments and technology to create a unique sound.

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What is the "Jaws" Theme?

John Williams's score for "Jaws" features a recurring two-note motif that repeats continuously, similar to an ostinato.

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What is an Ostinato?

A musical technique where a short melodic phrase or rhythm is repeated continuously throughout a composition, creating a sense of persistence or tension.

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How are styles blended in Williams's scores?

John Williams's scores often blend styles and techniques from various composers, like Stravinsky and Bernard Herrmann.

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What is the musical character of the "Star Wars" main theme?

The main theme of "Star Wars" associated with Luke Skywalker is a fanfare-like theme with a wide range and energetic melody, using triplets and perfect intervals.

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What is the character of the Force theme?

The main Force theme in "Star Wars" is associated with Obi-Wan Kenobi and reflects the mystical and spiritual aspect of the Force.

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How may the Force theme relate to the Blue Skyward theme?

The Force theme in "Star Wars" shares similarities with the Blue Skyward theme, such as the beginning interval and ascending trajectory, suggesting a connection between them.

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How is music used to characterize in "Star Wars"?

The music in "Star Wars" is used to directly characterize characters and actions, like Luke's heroic theme and Princess Leia's lyrical theme.

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How does Princess Leia's theme challenge musical conventions?

The musical theme associated with Princess Leia breaks the traditional mold of feminine romantic leads, reflecting her independent and heroic character.

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What is the Cornwall approach to film music?

The use of music in "Star Wars" is similar to the Cornwall approach, where music directly depicts characters and their journeys.

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How do the "Star Wars" themes connect to the story's themes?

The "Star Wars" themes reflect characters' destinies and the themes of the Force, including its good and dark sides.

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How is music used to introduce Princess Leia in "Star Wars"?

Princess Leia's theme in "Star Wars" is introduced when she is first presented in the film, highlighting her character and her defiance of traditional feminine characters.

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How do the "Star Wars" themes compare to other films musically?

The "Star Wars" themes have upward sweeping gestures, contrasting with the downwards motion of themes in films like "The Godfather."

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How is music used to introduce characters in "Star Wars"?

Music in "Star Wars" introduces characters, like the Imperial March for Darth Vader, and the use of source music to subtly indicate Han Solo's character.

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How does Han Solo's theme reflect his character?

Han Solo's theme in "Star Wars" is a jazzy score that is played as background music, suggesting his initially ambiguous nature.

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How does Han Solo's character relate to Rick from "Casablanca"?

Han Solo's character in "Star Wars" shares similarities with Rick from "Casablanca," both initially uncommitted to a cause and needing to be persuaded.

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How is music used to structure the Cantina scene in "Star Wars"?

Music effectively divides the Cantina scene in "Star Wars," using distinct musical styles to demarcate sections and create atmosphere.

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What is the musical character of the Cantina scene?

The music in the cantina scene is characterized by unclear jazz, creating a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, unlike the clear heroic or lyrical themes elsewhere.

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How can changes in music signal shifts in a film narrative?

Music can effectively signal changes in a story, like the introduction of a new character in "Star Wars" with the theme of Han Solo.

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How is music used to guide the audience in the Death Star attack sequence?

The climactic sequence in "Star Wars" where Luke joins to attack the Death Star is divided into three parts by the music, guiding the audience through the action.

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Why was electronic music prevalent in films of the late 1970s and 1980s?

The electronic score of "Halloween" reflects the emerging trend of electronic music in films of the late 1970s and 1980s.

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Study Notes

Blockbuster Films of the 1970s

  • 1970s saw a shift in film tone, with more gritty, realistic, pessimistic, and cynical films, often incorporating musical irony.
  • Film attendance declined from the 1940s, leading to a search for ways to increase attendance.
  • "Blockbuster films" emerged, a term initially used militarily, referring to films with broad appeal and large audiences.
  • These films often targeted youth and children, using marketing strategies to draw families.
  • Blockbusters emphasized spectacle, fantasy, adventure, and featured elaborate music.
  • New filmmakers (Scorsese, Coppola, Spielberg, Lucas) emerged, influenced by film history and the desire to create commercially successful yet artistically significant films.

The Film Canon and its Influence

  • A "canon" is a collection of important and influential works in a field.
  • Films like "The Godfather" and Martin Scorsese's films demonstrate the influence of classic filmmaking.
  • Films achieve a status in a canon when they become important and consistently appealing.

Revival of the Classic Orchestral Score

  • The classic film era's large audiences influenced film music.
  • A revival of the classic orchestral score took place, with composers like John Williams leading the charge.
  • Williams worked with Spielberg and Lucas, creating scores for films like "Jaws" and "Star Wars"
  • Williams's scores blend different styles, drawing from composers like Stravinsky and Bernard Herrmann

Analysis of the "Star Wars" Score

  • Lucas (director) and Williams (composer) created a score influenced by golden age Hollywood films like Korngold.
  • "Star Wars" score employed a straightforward approach, reflecting characters' actions and motivations.
  • Luke Skywalker's theme is a heroic fanfare, Princess Leia's theme is unique and melodic, Han Solo's theme is ambiguous jazz.
  • Music highlights character introductions, climaxes, and atmosphere changes like the Cantina scene, which uses jazzy underscoring.

The Use of Electronic Scores in "Halloween"

  • Electronic scores became popular, driven by advancements in synthesizers and Dolby technology.

  • "Halloween" (1978), a low-budget film, utilized a synthesizer-based score.

  • John Carpenter composed the score himself, showcasing how simplicity can create tension and atmosphere.

  • "Halloween" drew inspiration from "Psycho," both in plot elements and music, including ostinatos, to build tension and suspense.

  • The film's plot involves Michael Myers, a killer, stalking students.

  • The score used ostinatos, asymmetrical meter and chromaticism, which reflects the character and build tension

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