Leitmotif is a tool used in the making of a film that you can see in movies from today to as far back as the 1930’s. It is a melody that is used to associate a character, a place, a person, object, place, or emotion to what you are seeing on screen.

Leitmotif’s can be very short or drawn out depending on what they are being associated with. The movie “Jaws” would give you one of the most recognizable leitmotif’s in film history. The two notes of the bass playing when the shark appears and someone is in danger is so recognizable it has been transferred over to be used in other films and commercials. This technique is used a variety of films from Disney cartoons to thriller movies such a “Psycho”, and even “Inglorious Bastards”. Personally for me, I love this technique as it really has the ability to draw you in. The music allows you to feel the intensity of what is happening in the film, and connect you to the character, or their actions while you are watching. The ability to be able to anticipate what is happening next because of music is something that I love in films. Below I am including a variety of examples that I am particularly partial to that really show this tool in action.

Jaws

Crocodile Tick Tock from Disney’s Peter Pan

Psycho shower scene – I particularly love this one as it shows you the scene with and without music and how that changes the effect of what you are watching.

Inglorious Bastards introduction of Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz –

Hopefully you enjoyed those clips as much as I do!