Pirates
of the Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl
“Drink up me hearties, yo ho! Yo ho, yo
ho, a pirate’s life for me”
-Captain
Jack Sparrow
Two-Time Global Film Music award winner,
Pirates of the Caribbean, has laid down the foundation as one of the most
prominent soundtracks of the 21st century. The incorporation of a variety of different,
seemingly incompatible, musical instruments into one orchestration established a
new era for music soundtracks. This specific genre of music is communicated
without the use of words, but appeals to individuals in a unique and special
way. A different style of music had emerged. Often times people say, “Orchestra
music cannot be explained, but simply envisioned”. This magnificent soundtrack
incorporates a plethora of different rhetorical devices known as ethos, pathos,
and logos.
In the beginning scenes of the movie, the song that is
played is known as “The Medallion Calls”. This particular orchestrated song
introduces the star of the movie Captain Jack Sparrow and is repeated
throughout as the characters leitmotif. This song is introduced as a mournful
tune before rising heroically, and ending the track with a waltzing melody. It
resembles the Pirates origins and the importance and beliefs of their heritage,
backgrounds, and motives. According to a French Composer, Gabriel Yard, “Orchestra’s
capture the majesty, and freedom of flight as lush noble themes”(Music & Mood 1). The powerful
influence that an orchestra conveys is one that can enable any member of the
audience to visualize the true meaning of the scenes being depicted. This
particular orchestration, led by Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer, holds an ethos
characteristic of credibility since both directors are idolized and respected by
the musical industry. The individuality of the instruments in this particular
soundtrack are muted as the sounds come together to create one magnificent masterpiece.
Now,
for the moment we have all been waiting for: The song that fills our hearts and
minds with creativity and imagination identified as part of the top ten most
idolized and memorable theme songs, the one and only “He’s a Pirate”. This is
the theme song that represents the Pirates of the Caribbean’s franchise and is honored
all across the nation. It is featured at the end of
each film, and is the first song heard as the end credits roll. Every
time I listen to this song I feel a sense of emotion, thrill, and excitement
flow through my veins. Throughout the song, there are sounds that resemble
heroic and gallant actions creating the feeling of conquering heroes fulfilling
their mission and defeating their enemies. The soundtrack is so fast, I wish
there were more slow pace moments that would allow an audience to reminisce
about their past experiences and remarkable journeys. Despite this minor
concern, I am able to use rational interpretation to identify the time period
that these scenes are trying to convey by listening carefully to the soundtrack. The strong use of logos throughout the movie enables
the audience to unconsciously rely on rationality and reason to understand that
every sound is created for the logical purpose of supporting the creativity and
imagination of the film. Al Gore once said, “Common sense: Just look around and
look at the evidence” (Everything’s an
Argument 57). It makes sense that is
why this is a great film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of
The Black Pearl is established as one of the most well rounded films of the 21st
century. I believe this movie laid a
pathway for future music soundtracks and left behind a legacy of an action
packed thriller that will go down as one of the most successful franchises that
has ever been created. I rate this epic phenomenon
a 4 out of 5 Slurpee’s and hope that my comments on this film and soundtrack
will inspire individuals all across the nation to open up their ears to a new musical
experience.
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