Rhetoric of Space

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl Soundtrack

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.  






No comments:

Post a Comment