When it comes to music, the movie Godzilla is
definitely most known for the hit single “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult. You
think of the song and the huge beast and begin to imagine a movie with
thrilling scenes accompanied with hard hitting rock and roll to intensify the suspense
and destruction. However, the song by
the Blue Oyster Cult is not even on the soundtrack. Rather, the movie uses
several tracks featuring orchestra instruments. One scene that music helps
intensify a mood of suspense, is when Godzilla makes his way onto land and
steps foot on downtown New York City. This scene is quiet as an old man begins
to fish, then it's followed by the faint sounds of string instruments. The
music gets more intense, faster, and louder as Godzilla gets closer. Combined
with the sound of water and massive waves, one’s mood changes from calm too
excited and a bit of fear trails into the mind as we begin to see how massive
and what Godzilla really is.
Godzilla Arrives
Another interesting scene where music influences
ones mood is Godzilla’s death. Prior to being killed Godzilla has tormented New
York City and destroyed several military tanks, aircraft, missiles, etc. One’s
blood is pumping with excitement and anxious to what Godzilla’s next move is. Humans
are able to trap Godzilla and this is exciting, cool, we caught it, but then
the music starts. Rather than a fast passed rock and roll song, like “Run to
the Hills” by Iron Maiden, the scene is blitzed with a string instrument song.
It creates a scene of sadness and lost hope. One begins to feel for this
massive creature and the scientist who discovered the creature was pregnant and
fending for her young.
The music used in this movie
reminds a lot of what composer Gabriel Yard wrote about. He wrote, "When I
write music for a film. I try to connect with its spirit rather than working
shot, by shot.” With this movie I can feel how and why the music for Godzilla
was chosen. Godzilla is already a creature that gets the blood pumping and
fills the room with suspense and excitement. The music used throughout the
movie helps calm the viewer, even if it’s for a brief moment before Godzilla unleashes
hell on New York, then Godzilla’s actions bring the excitement back up. In the
end I think the music works well, it helps connect the viewer to Godzilla as a
huge pet that needs to be taken care of, rather than a monster.
Godzilla Arrives
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