Brief Summary
This video analyzes the music in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," focusing on how it enhances the storytelling, particularly in the scene where Miles Morales embraces his identity as Spider-Man. The video breaks down the various musical motifs associated with different characters and themes, explaining how they converge to create a powerful and unique cinematic experience. It also touches on the hero's journey and how the music guides us through Miles's transformation.
- The film uses unique musical styles for each Spider-Person, enhancing their character.
- The soundtrack blends hip-hop with orchestral score to represent Miles's identity.
- Musical motifs represent Miles's journey, the Spider-Hero identity, and Miles's known world.
Intro
The video introduces the iconic scene from "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" where Miles Morales embraces his Spider-Man identity. It highlights the scene's significance in establishing Miles as a unique character, distinct from Peter Parker, and showcases the film's award-winning animation. The video suggests that the music is a key element that makes this scene so effective.
Musical Styles for Each Spider-Person
The video describes the unique musical styles associated with each Spider-Person in the film. Spider-Gwen is accompanied by rock music, Spider-Noir by classic film noir jazz, Peni Parker by anime-inspired electronica, and Spider-Ham by Looney Tunes-inspired material. The Prowler's appearances are marked by a distorted elephant sound. Daniel Pemberton, the score's writer, used creative techniques like recording turntable scratches and using spray paint can sounds for the high hats, infusing the soundtrack with Miles's character.
Hip-Hop and Miles's Identity
The video emphasizes the importance of hip-hop in establishing Miles Morales's identity. Unlike traditional superhero apotheosis scenes that rely on grand orchestral scores, "Spider-Verse" uses hip-hop to represent Miles's unique background. The film introduces Miles through diegetic music like "Sunflower" and "Familia," showcasing his Puerto Rican heritage. The soundtrack features an all-star cast of artists, solidifying hip-hop as Miles's musical identity. Pemberton incorporated elements of the score into tracks like "What's Up Danger" to connect the music to Miles's journey.
Musical Motifs
The video breaks down the musical motifs used throughout the film. A simple octave leap motif represents Miles's personal journey, first heard when Peter gives Miles the web shooters. This motif recurs when Miles faces challenges, struggles with his identity, or is burdened by his responsibilities. Another motif, initially associated with Peter Parker, represents the Spider-Hero identity and is heard when any Spider-Person appears or when Miles demonstrates his spider-like abilities.
Convergence of Musical Ideas
The video explains how the three musical ideas—licensed hip-hop representing Miles's Brooklyn identity, the motif for his personal journey, and the motif for the Spider-Hero identity—converge during the film's climax. This convergence underscores the film's theme of Miles carving his own path and becoming his own Spider-Man. The film highlights Miles's struggles to fit in as a charter school student, a kid from Brooklyn, the son of a cop, a superhero, and a graffiti artist.
Hero's Journey and Music
The video connects the film's narrative to Joseph Campbell's hero's journey. Miles's journey involves leaving his known world (Brooklyn) and entering the unknown world of Spider-Man, then returning with newfound power. The music guides us through this journey, with hip-hop representing Miles's real world and the Spider-Hero motif representing the alien, unknown world. Miles's personal motif binds these two worlds together.
Miles's Apotheosis and Return
The video describes how Miles's apotheosis, or his ascension to becoming Spider-Man, is marked by his ability to control his powers. This occurs as he crosses the return threshold, moving from the unknown back to the known world. The scene takes place in Brooklyn, contrasting with an earlier scene where he struggled with his powers. The music combines Miles's known identity (hip-hop) with his Spider-Hero identity, connected by his personal journey motif. The film emphasizes that Miles becomes his own Spider-Man, a unique individual greater than the sum of his parts.
