score! character development in film

in the mid-1890s - 1920s, silent films would be accompanied by actual live musicians and orchestras. they were an essential part of the viewing experience, providing atmosphere, emotional cues, and drowning out the sound of the projectors. music scores have always been a key part of storytelling, with the ability to completely transform movies, and the characters within them.

we all know the impact of music. a song can transport us immediately to a different place. it can be associated with a specific time in our lives, a person, a season, a country… the power of music is endless.

i am fascinated by the way scores can change the entire emotional trajectory of a movie, how they can evoke nostalgia, how a chord can immediately transform you to an alternate universe.

when ‘hedwig’s theme’ plays, we’re immediately in the wizarding world. ‘test flight’ will have you dreaming of flying above the clouds, riding on a dragon. ‘merry-go-round of life’ will transport you to the iconic ghibli universe.

they are the heart and soul of a movie - the magic of cinema and the power of music combined. whether or not you understand the technical aspects of music, you can’t escape the way it makes you feel.

i am particularly fascinated by the way in which music can grow and change throughout our experiences with a character. i love a good character development story - where we get to see a complex character shift over time and we almost feel a sense of attachment to them. one of my favourite tropes in film and tv is the a layered, cynical, troubled, sometimes cruel character turned vulnerable, heroic fan favourite.

a score is often a form of guidance, showing us how to feel in response to the presence of a character. you don’t need to spell out that a character is a villain when a jarring, overwhelming, minor-key tune is already evoking tension and danger.

and after over a decade of mcu films, i found that one of the most fascinating examples of this is bucky barnes, aka the winter soldier - a character who first appeared in captain america: the first avenger, and more recently appeared in thunderbolts.

as a fan of the mcu, who has grown up with the films, and whose favourite comfort movie of all time is captain america: the winter soldier, i fixated a lot on the use of music to convey the way his character arc fits into the movies. from being the main villain of one, to eventually becoming one of the main heroes of another. i remember watching thunderbolts in the theatre for the first time, buzzing with energy, nostalgia, and happiness at bucky’s introduction in the film, after over a decade of watching and growing attached to a fascinating, layered, and rapidly changing character.

james buchanan barnes has grown to be one of the most beloved characters of the mcu. he is a complex, troubled anti-hero, and the childhood best friend of steve rogers, aka captain america. but his alter ego, the winter soldier, introduced in captain america: the winter soldier, is a brainwashed killing machine working for hydra. what accompanied his entrance into scenes was an overwhelming piece made up of grating noises, electrical components, eerie chirps, and a growling bass called ‘the winter soldier’ by henry jackman. the theme was made to be chilling and unsettling. every time he appeared on screen, music that set the tone of danger and violence played, teaching the audience to anticipate darkness, fear, and action. i find this score fascinating, but even i have to admit it’s hard to listen to.

<the winter soldier by henry jackman>

the score initially received criticism for using so many electronic components, but i believe the theme perfectly set up his character in this movie. we understood more about the character before fully knowing the story and his placement within it.

throughout the phases, we see bucky barnes battle with his past as the winter soldier, as he overcomes being brainwashed and traumatised by hydra. he grapples with all the things he was forced to do under mind control, and we see a complete character shift - even through his relationships with other notable characters.

in thunderbolts, bucky barnes features as a mentor for a group of outcasts. he grows into the hero role, and we see his character development in its final form here. this movie features one of my favourite character themes, “it’s bucky!” by son lux. as he enters to save the day at the height of an action-packed sequence, this classic hero’s theme plays as he drives in on his motorcycle.

<it’s bucky! by son lux>

we have seen bucky barnes dramatically enter an action-packed scene on a number of other occasions accompanied by the aforementioned chilling, grating sounds of “the winter soldier” theme - except this time, it is entirely different. a dramatic orchestral ostinato, high energy and grand, and deeply satisfying to the ear - this theme is a beautiful but stark contrast to the previous movies. we see the character in a way that is entirely different to his introduction.

by the score alone, the character’s story and progression is told. it evokes emotions from the audience who have followed this character throughout his journey in the mcu. following the film’s release, the satisfaction of hearing this beloved character finally receive a hero’s theme, like most other superheroes in the franchise, garnered an overwhelming response - especially from me. even subconsciously, a score can completely transform the viewing experience. combining the two art forms - cinema and music - to tell a character’s story can leave a far greater impact than you might realise.

just a reminder that i’ve launched a film club! to sign up/register your interest, have a say, and keep up with updates - head to starafilmclub.com and remember to subscribe to my account!

the first movie is cinema paradiso (1988)!

head to the website to choose the dates/times that work for you so we can book our first stara film club meet up, and discuss the movie.

AND check out the post below for all the information you may need:

stara film club: all you need to know

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Apr 13

before i get into everything, i want to say a massive thank you. i started my substack over a month ago and i’m so grateful i did. i am so excited to actually get to launch stara film club and begin growing this community with all of you! please subscribe for updates - i also post reviews, recommendations, essays, and so much more on all things film!