How Movies Give You "The Feels"

Amplifying Emotion in Cinema: the Music of Transformers

P. H R.

            Movies are fun to watch and great for a lazy day, but what makes a good one? What draws us to them?  Most often it is how they make us feel, and sometimes the scenes on the screen are not enough to incite desired reactions. So, what does the film industry do? They enlist a soundtrack to do the rest.  In Transformers, two scenes, one utilizing an original score and the other using popular songs, can be explored as examples that fit music to the actions on screen and enhance their impact through sensation and logic.

            The first scene up for discussion is the arrival of the Autobots on Earth, hence the score title “Arrival to Earth.”  In the scene, the lead Sam and the supporting role Mikaela observe Optimus, Jazz, Ratchet, and Ironhide break through Earth’s atmosphere as meteors and crash land taking on their forms.  With such a massive, fantastical scene it only makes sense to strike awe into the viewers; so the visual representation is supported by an orchestra playing a triumphant, larger-than-life piece that reprises later and is only associated with the most epic moments of the film.  When it is watched, goose bumps pop up and convince you that you are watching something extraordinary and beautiful.  It is clear that the heroes have arrived and a journey is about to begin.

            The second scene is a comedic break from an otherwise action-packed film.  Sam steals Mikaela from her now ex-boyfriend’s party and, while taking Mikaela home, his car “breaks down” and she starts to walk home. This entire time he is hitting on her but Bumblebee, his car, starts to play iconic romantic songs that most individuals would know like: “Drive,” “Sexual Healing,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” and “Baby Come Back.”  The best part is probably that these songs are not just in the background; the characters are aware of them playing which makes the whole scene more awkwardly hilarious as Sam tries to explain he is not choosing the songs or trying to be a “romantic friend.” In other words, it not so subtly introduces the romantic interest in the film. All the song choices and hilarity of the scene are relatable to awkward young love everybody has experienced, or wishes to, and adds a different dynamic to the film further engaging the audience. 

            Both scenes increase the effect on the audience in two different ways, and with two different emotions.  The arrival offers something catchy and memorable to be associated with this movie specifically while the cringe worthy crush brings in pop culture and familiarity opening up to a larger audience, not to mention branching into comedy not sticking strictly with action.  The music selection adds to the experience, flows with the story unfolding on screen, and  amplifies the mood making an epic movie worth watching at least once.