Analysis of Music in Star Wars Episode IV, Essay Example

With the release of a new Star Wars film coming to theaters in the next several days, it is important to consider the impact of the first installment of the series on the movie loving world. George Lucas provided science fiction fans not only with a well-written and creative story, but he partnered with composer John Williams, who created a series of fitting overtures and theme music to support the content of the movie. Thus, Star Wars was successful not only because of its plot development, but also the degree to which its music highlighted the action. From the beginning of the movie, John Williams’ pieces sets the mood of the movie and prepares the viewer for the plot that is to come.

One of the best known and respected pieces of music in the movie world is the overture that John Williams wrote for the introduction of the film. As the reader is asked to read through scrolling text on the screen, William’s Star Wars theme plays in the background to set the tone of the movie. Even though the first time viewer does not yet know what the story is about, this introduction allows the movie to quickly jump into the story with already detecting that there is a sense of adventure waiting for them in the next several scenes. Throughout the remainder of the movie, theme music and silence and also used to help the viewer grasp the story more effectively.

A majority of music used in the movie from this point forward is used to highlight the intensity of situations that occur within in the film. When the main characters are involved in a perilous situation, the music tends to get louder. When the main characters are on a journey to learn information about themselves, more positive sounding and soft music plays to highlight the goals of the journey. Overall, Star Wars uses music in a manner that allows it to connect more significantly with the viewer, making him or her understand the emotions that the filmmakers intended for them to feel. Because the music is used in this manner, the viewer does connect more deeply with Luke, Han, and Princess Leia and comes to comprehend the importance of the struggle that they are facing in order to reverse the terrible reign of Darth Vader.

In addition to using music to support the emotions of the story, Star Wars also uses music to set a sense of contrast. During one of the first action scenes, Luke and his mentor Obi Wan Kenobi enter a canteen after being searched for the identification of droids. Since they are in a tense situation, it was an interesting choice to help this action wind down by having the two entering the canteen to a swing song being played by an alien band. Many fans of Star Wars enjoy this scene because it is one of the moments in which action occurs without any warning. Before the viewer knows what’s happening, the music stopped and an all-out brawl initiated between the individuals in the bar. Luke did not have power to do much, as was just along for the ride. The stopping of the jazz music in this situation signified the battle that was about to occur and represents the craziness that Luke and others on his planet need to live with in their daily lives because of the rule of the federation. The music helps us understand how the lives of these average people have been put to a stop because of their interference, and how violence is a commonality on their planet in addition to elsewhere in the universe.

Overall, Star Wars makes effective use of its music. It is apparent that John Williams was an excellent selection for a composer in this instance because he was able to put together many well-written pieces that draw sound from a variety of instruments in order to create his characteristic sound. This composer has also written pieces for many other Hollywood hits, indicating his skill at building tension during action scenes and providing soft reflection music to help the viewer connect with the music they are listening to more significantly. While many people love the Star Wars movie and the series overall, many people continue to be fans not just because of the plot, but because of the music as well. The music used in this movie is exemplary compared to the music used in many similar films and is one of the reasons for its extreme success across several generations. Many current music fans hope that the same musical standards have been retained in the new installments of the series made by Disney. Based on this analysis, doing so will ensure that viewers enjoy the new installment just as they did the first episode. Without well-thought music, it is possible that the story of Star Wars would be lost to the viewer. Thus, music is one of the most important movie elements.