Researching The Combination of Two Worlds

Musicals combine my two favorite things: music and film.

The best part about musicals is that the plot is not only developed through dialogue, but the soundtrack helps to create the plot and can sometimes reveal a character's personal thoughts and feelings to the audience. The music is created to help the film come together. Musical performances can go from flash mobs in a school cafeteria to the main character singing to herself in her room. Musicals allow characters to freely express their feelings in song to the audience, rather than having them be implied or told through dialogue in between the characters (diegetic music). Musicals are also known for using movement and sound together. When characters perform a piece of music, they are often dancing on screen, keeping the audience interested as well as helping to develop the plot. The characters not only sing the songs but actively participate in some kind of dance or movement to accompany it.

The protagonist in musicals often has a goal or “dream” that he/she is working for, and it often relates to showbusiness. In La La Land, for example, the female protagonist is hoping to become a successful actress in Hollywood. Musicals often set a surreal tone or seem to be a “fantasy” world, since characters break into song unexpectedly and extra backup dancers come out of nowhere. Musicals often have a happy ending and tone, as the characters make themselves feel better through singing.

The songs used in musicals are often “Broadway-style” requiring big, powerful voices, as well as lyrics that tell a narrative. Often, certain musical motifs or phrases will be associated with a character. Reprises, a repetition of a certain song/theme with different lyrics, are also included to develop the story. Musicals can be set in a variety of scenes, from the most simplistic landscapes to the most elaborate stages that seem dream-like. However, usually, there is at least one lavish and over the top set for at least a couple of scenes. Settings often resemble Broadway, as they are closely related. The way these films are marketed is through the soundtracks or even its close resemblance to Broadway, which draws people in.

The Sound of Music (1965)

This film about an Austrian convent Maria, played by Julie Andrews, who goes on to become the caretaker of a Naval officer who was recently widowed. It was actually adapted from the stage musical of the same name from 1959. Maria introduces music into the family’s lives and the songs they use help to show their bond as well as develop the plot. For example “Do-Re-Mi” is a song that Maria teaches the children to help them learn about music. “So Long, Farewell” is a song the characters sing as they are trying to escape the Nazis, and the lyrics relate to their current situation. These songs have become iconic, and anyone who hears them relates them back to this film.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

This film is a perfect example of a musical created recently. It is based on P.T. Barnum’s life, starring Hugh Jackman. It follows the story of him being poor as a child and having all these aspirations, to him going through the process of achieving his dreams. It stars many big names like Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Hugh Jackman. The reprise in this film is called “A Million Dreams” and it really contains what the whole plot is about. The music in the film really helps to develop the plot and it would not be the same without it, as it adds an immense amount of emotion to the film itself.

Some Other Musicals Worth Watching:

1. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)