Brief Summary
This video explores why the music in Marvel movies is often forgettable despite the franchise's immense success. It identifies several key issues: the music often fails to evoke emotion, it's predictably aligned with on-screen action, and memorable themes are frequently buried under other sounds. The video also discusses the impact of "temp music," where pre-existing scores are used during editing, leading to homogenization and a lack of originality in the final product. Ultimately, the video argues that Marvel's music suffers from a lack of risk-taking, prioritizing safe, inoffensive choices over bold, emotionally resonant compositions.
- Marvel music often fails to evoke emotion.
- Music is predictably aligned with on-screen action.
- Memorable themes are frequently buried under other sounds.
- "Temp music" leads to homogenization and a lack of originality.
- Marvel's music suffers from a lack of risk-taking.
Introduction: The Problem with Marvel Music
The video starts by questioning why it's difficult to recall any music from Marvel movies, despite their popularity, in contrast to the memorable themes from franchises like Star Wars, James Bond, and Harry Potter. The narrator highlights the Marvel Cinematic Universe's status as the highest-grossing film franchise, questioning what element is missing from its music that prevents it from leaving a lasting impression.
Lack of Emotional Response
The first issue identified is that Marvel music often fails to evoke an emotional response. Using a scene from the first Iron Man movie as an example, the video demonstrates how the music doesn't add any emotional depth to the scene and can be removed without impacting its effectiveness. The music is compared to background noise, easily tuned out by the viewer.
Predictable Use of Music
The video explains that Marvel music is used very predictably, mirroring the on-screen action and emotions. Funny scenes get funny music, and sad scenes get sad music. This safe approach to scoring films results in music that simply restates what the picture already conveys, never challenging the audience's expectations and making it forgettable.
Buried Memorable Music
Sometimes Marvel films do have memorable music, but filmmakers often bury it under other sounds, such as narration. A scene from Captain America: The First Avenger is used to illustrate how a narrator distracts from the emotion of the scene and the potential impact of the music. Removing the narration allows the music to create a stronger emotional connection.
The Impact of Temp Music
The video introduces the concept of "temp music," where existing music is used temporarily during the editing process. Composers are sometimes asked to imitate this temp music, leading to homogenization, especially since blockbusters often temp with each other's scores. This results in films sounding similar within legal limits. The popularity of the Marvel franchise has led to other films sounding like they were temped with Marvel music.
The Role of Filmmakers and the System
The video emphasizes that it's not blaming the composers, but rather the systemic issues at play. Modern nonlinear editing allows directors to easily insert their favorite music and have the editor cut to it. Directors then ask composers to "make it like that" not because the music is the right choice, but because they've become accustomed to it through repeated listening. This can lead to filmmakers reusing elements that have worked in other movies, resulting in the lowest common denominator.
The Need for Risk-Taking
The video suggests that Marvel's music choices, including background noise, predictable scoring, narration, and temp music, all stem from a desire to keep things safe. While the music isn't necessarily bad, it's often bland and inoffensive. By sacrificing emotional richness for safe choices, the end result is forgettable music. The video concludes that what's missing from Marvel music is risk, the kind of risk that creates an emotional connection with the audience and makes the music memorable.
The Exception: Spider-Man Theme Song
The video makes note of one exception of Marvel theme that still resonates with people: the Spider-Man theme song.
