Brief Summary
This video analyzes the use of music in "Deadpool 2," distinguishing between licensed pop songs and original musical motifs. It introduces the concept of "thematic appropriation," where existing music is recontextualized to enhance the film's narrative. The video also explores the psychological effects of music repetition, drawing from the book "On Repeat: How Music Plays the Mind," and questions whether our enjoyment of movie themes stems from their narrative contribution or mere repetition.
- "Thematic appropriation" is introduced, where existing music is recontextualized to enhance the film's narrative.
- The psychological effects of music repetition are explored.
- The video questions whether our enjoyment of movie themes stems from their narrative contribution or mere repetition.
Pop Music vs. Light Motifs in Deadpool 2
The video starts by addressing the use of pop music in films like "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Suicide Squad," where licensed music is used to communicate specific feelings. The author expresses a preference for original themes or light motifs, arguing that licensed music can be distracting due to pre-existing associations. In "Deadpool 2," examples include the use of DMX, a coffeehouse version of "Take on Me," Dolly Parton's "Nine to Five," and Celine Dion's "Ashes." Despite the prevalent use of pop music, "Deadpool 2" also incorporates original light motifs, such as a brassy hero theme for Colossus and an 80s synth line for Cable.
Thematic Appropriation Explained
The video introduces the concept of "thematic appropriation," using the song "Tomorrow" from the musical "Annie" in "Deadpool 2" as an example. Initially, the song is heard when Cable is thinking about his dead family from the future. Later, it plays during Deadpool's sacrifice to save Russell, connecting the song's original theme of optimism for the future with Cable's fight for a brighter tomorrow. This recontextualization redefines the music within the film's narrative, making it both a reference and an independent light motif.
The Song Machine and the Psychology of Repetition
The video shifts to discuss the book "The Song Machine" by John Seabrook, which explores the pop music industry and the psychological effects of repetition. The book reveals that radio stations in the 1950s discovered that playing the same songs repeatedly led to increased listener enjoyment. It also highlights how record labels coordinate simultaneous releases across multiple radio stations to ensure widespread exposure. The author references another book, "On Repeat: How Music Plays the Mind" by Elizabeth Margulis, which argues that repetition is key to enjoying music.
Repetition and Light Motifs
The video continues to explore the psychological effects of repetition in music, referencing studies from "On Repeat: How Music Plays the Mind." One study found that even professional music theorists preferred music with repetitive sections. The video contrasts serialism, a compositional style that avoids repetition, with minimalism, which is known for its extensive repetition. Margulis's research suggests that repetition can create a sense of inevitability and rightness, even when listeners are not consciously aware of the repetition. This could explain why light motifs are effective, as repeated exposure, both within and outside the film, can enhance emotional impact.
The Power of Repetition in Film Music
The video concludes by questioning whether the enjoyment of movie themes comes from their narrative contribution or simply from repetition. It suggests that if a piece of music is repeated enough, even subliminally, people are more likely to enjoy it and attribute their enjoyment to the music's construction rather than the repetition itself. The author uses the Avengers theme as an example, noting that its constant repetition in commercials and the film itself has made it memorable and emotionally resonant. Ultimately, the video suggests that both narrative context and repetition play a role in how we perceive and enjoy film music.
