The Evolution of Music in Cinema: A Journey from Silent Films to Modern Soundtracks

Before we dive into the fascinating world of music in cinema, let us first understand why and when the idea of inserting music into films came about. In the earliest days, during the 1890s to the early 1900s, the sound of the movie projector was a constant and disruptive presence. Films were shown in dark, enclosed spaces, with the projector noise being a significant distraction for viewers. Thus, early filmmakers sought to cover up this noise with some form of music or sound.

The Early Years of Filmmaking and Music

It was not until the 1910s that filmmakers started suggesting music that would complement the film's message and emotional content. At the cinemas, every show would have some form of accompaniment, ranging from a lone piano player to small ensembles of amateur musicians all the way up to large groups of professional musicians.

Historically, the title of these accompanists was often misleading, as they were not necessarily classical musicians. In the 1920s, the invention of sound-on-film and the advent of "talkies" in 1928 marked a significant turning point for the film industry. With the ability to be certain of the accompanying sounds, the need for live musicians diminished rapidly.

The Era of Professional Composers

Overnight, thousands of musicians who had been accompanying films at local theaters were no longer needed. However, the film industry quickly adapted, investing in top-quality composers and renowned orchestras. European classical composers such as Max Steiner and Erich-Wolfgang Korngold became prominent figures, contributing significantly to cinematic history.

Rock Music in Movies: A Game-Changer

The introduction of rock music in movies marks a major shift in the industry. 'Easy Rider,' released in 1969, became the first movie to feature an all-pop music soundtrack by various artists, as opposed to the music of a single performer like Elvis or the Beatles. The film 'The Graduate,' released before 'Easy Rider,' also featured songs by Simon and Garfunkel, setting the stage for future pop music soundtracks.

Dennis Hopper, the director of 'Easy Rider,' initially proposed having Crosby, Stills, and Nash write the soundtrack. However, the temporary music from the crew's record collection fit so well that the producers purchased the rights to it. This accidental success led to the standard practice of using popular music in films targeting young audiences.

Notable rock bands and artists featured in 'Easy Rider' include Steppenwolf, The Band, the Electric Prunes, Bob Dylan, and the Byrds. Some fun facts include:

Dennis Hopper, who was also in 'Rebel Without a Cause,' directed Phil Spector, the infamous doowop music producer, for the opening scene. Jack Nicholson, previously known for his roles in Roger Corman's B-movies, was discovered for his talents while portraying a party-loving, open-minded redneck lawyer in 'Easy Rider.' Ray Fonda, Peter Fonda's sister, co-starred in 'Easy Rider' alongside her brother. They are both the children of legendary actor Henry Fonda.

Before 'Easy Rider,' the use of jazz in films often implied street credibility. However, 'Easy Rider' marked a significant change, elevating rock music to the forefront of youth culture and cinema.

Conclusion

The journey of music in cinema is a testament to the evolving relationship between sound and storytelling. From the early days of silent films to the modern era of elaborate soundtracks and rock music soundtracks, the integration of music has played a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional and narrative impact of films. As we continue to explore the world of cinema, the role of music will undoubtedly grow, further enriching the cinematic experience.