ScreeningReport2-Apollo13-1 (1)
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Apr 3, 2024
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Screening Report 2
Apollo 13
Instructions
1.
Read the setting description for the scene you will be studying.
2.
Watch the scene once to familiarize yourself with its tone, music, characters, dialogue, and plot.
3.
View the scene again, this time taking notes to begin answering the leading questions below: Music, Function, General Comments. Rewatch the clip a third time to solidify your observations and provide supporting detail.
4.
Think critically. Analyze what you see and hear. Draw conclusions based on your instincts as a viewer and your knowledge as a film music student.
Apollo 13
: We’ve Got a Problem Here
Composer: James Horner
Timing: 50:07—54:04
Setting: On April 11, 1970, Flight Director Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) gives permission from Houston’s Mission Control Center for the Apollo 13 launch to the moon. After three days of the mission, Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) is instructed to stir the module’s oxygen tanks. One of the tanks explodes, and the crew, including Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and Fred Haise (Bill Paxton), scramble to determine what is wrong and how to stay alive.
Instructor note: Remember that synthesizers are instruments too, and play an important role in this clip.
Evaluation
Your response will be evaluated on the following:
Use of film music vocabulary
Specific descriptions of the scene’s music and function
Commentary on the music’s effectiveness
Tips for success:
1)
Do not provide plot description.
2)
When referring to a character, use their name, not the actor or actress.
3)
Be specific with your observations and findings. 4)
I should be able to get a sense of how the scene sounds based on what you write.
Screening Report 2: Apollo 13
Read everything above before completing this Screening Report.
Music (10 points)
Describe the music by considering concepts of diegetic/non-diegetic status, melodies, style, dynamics, tempo, instruments, sound sources, or any other significant information. Do your best to identify specific instruments heard. This section should describe the sound
of the music present in the scene
.
There are a few moments in the video where diegetic and non-diegetic statuses overlap equally. At the beginning of the video, there is no music playing. However, at 0:03, Jack switches down the buttons to introduce sound sources, resulting in the production of electric noise or sizzling. At 0:10, intense smoke and airbrush hissing sound effects take place, followed by loud alarm noises at 0:16. Immediately following the detonation, at approximately 0:27, a loud soundtrack begins to play, followed by a brief, loud transition to soft sound until 0:30. The musical experience opens at 0:46 with the sound of percussion performing a fast, repeated tempo, followed by the trumpets performing a smooth entrance at
0:51. The orchestra then enters, performing dramatic tones as the trumpet undertakes sharpened notes, resulting in a shift in the style of music towards a fast, high tempo. The melody remains repetitive and consistent for approximately two minutes before transitioning to harsh notes, during which the violins become audible. At 3:04, a dramatic hit or note is played, which switches to the orchestra playing peaceful, lengthy notes and the cellos producing long, low notes that gradually disappear.
Function (10 points)
Discuss HOW
the music contributed to the plot.
You could consider ideas of setting, mood, character development/characterization, dramatic support, emotional qualities, and/or point of view, etc. Include how and why the music changes throughout the scene. Are there sync points where the music distinctly announces or emphasizes an action or event?
As soon as the music starts to play at a fast tempo, it captivates the audience's attention and awakens curiosity regarding the situation and what is wrong. The trumpets' fast, sharp rhythm adds tension to the scene, focusing on Jack, Jim, and Fred's rush of emotions in being alerted to their situation. The orchestra creates an energetic foundational tempo, while the central trumpets contribute to the excitement of a fast tempo. When the music or tempo slows down at 3:02 into a long music note, its direct focus is on Jack's hesitation. As well as the shock and the intense atmosphere surrounding NASA or the whole reaction of the employers. This sets of mood is followed by the whole NASA and astronauts actions and the intensity
of the music, as the cellos and trombones play low notes near the end of the piece, which creates a terrifying moment as the audience wonders whether the astronauts will be alright as the music fades away.
General comments (5 points)
Was the music for this segment successful? Why or why not?
Yes, the music for this segment is successful. The music undoubtedly highlights the tension in the scene. The beginning of the video was quiet and peaceful before the alarms went off. When the percussion begins playing right away, it makes you conscious of what is wrong. It made me anxious as the trumpets 2
played loud and repetitive notes. The astronauts and those at NASA also expressed concern and worry about the situation. The orchestra adds to the rise of tension at 0:51, playing a major role in capturing Jack, Jim, and Fred's fast reaction to the problem and their subsequent contact with NASA, which raised concerns. I do believe that was the director's or composer's goal in wanting the audience to have a moment of fear, shock, and confusion.
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