What Are the Two Types of Music in a Film? And Why Do They Sometimes Sound Like a Confused Octopus?

Music in films is an art form that transcends mere auditory pleasure, weaving itself into the fabric of storytelling. It is often said that there are two primary types of music in a film: diegetic and non-diegetic. These two categories serve distinct purposes, yet they occasionally blur the lines, creating a symphony of confusion that might remind one of a disoriented octopus trying to play the violin. Let’s dive into the depths of these musical realms and explore their nuances, contradictions, and occasional absurdities.

Diegetic Music: The Sound of Reality

Diegetic music, also known as “source music,” is the type of music that exists within the world of the film. It is heard by the characters and is often produced by visible sources, such as a radio, a live band, or a character humming a tune. This type of music is grounded in the narrative reality of the film, making it an integral part of the story.

Examples of Diegetic Music:

• A character playing the piano in a living room.
• A nightclub scene with a DJ spinning tracks.
• A car radio blasting a hit song during a road trip.

Diegetic music serves multiple purposes. It can establish the setting, reflect the characters’ emotions, or even drive the plot forward. For instance, in Pulp Fiction, the iconic dance scene featuring Uma Thurman and John Travolta is accompanied by diegetic music from a jukebox, which not only sets the mood but also becomes a focal point of the characters’ interaction.

However, diegetic music isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, it can be used ironically or subversively. Imagine a character listening to a cheerful pop song while their world is falling apart—this juxtaposition can create a powerful emotional impact.

Non-Diegetic Music: The Voice of the Unseen

Non-diegetic music, on the other hand, exists outside the narrative world of the film. It is the score or soundtrack that the audience hears but the characters do not. This type of music is often composed specifically for the film and is used to enhance the emotional tone, build tension, or underscore key moments.

Examples of Non-Diegetic Music:

• The haunting orchestral score in Jaws that signals the approach of the shark.
• The triumphant theme in Star Wars that accompanies the heroes’ victories.
• The melancholic piano melody in The Pianist that amplifies the protagonist’s despair.

Non-diegetic music is the filmmaker’s secret weapon. It can manipulate the audience’s emotions without the characters even being aware of it. For example, in Inception, Hans Zimmer’s score uses a slowed-down version of Edith Piaf’s Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien to reflect the concept of time dilation in dreams. The characters don’t hear this music, but it profoundly affects the viewer’s experience.

The Blurred Lines: When Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Collide

While diegetic and non-diegetic music are distinct, filmmakers often play with these boundaries to create unique effects. This blending can result in moments that are both surreal and thought-provoking.

Examples of Blurred Boundaries:

• In The Truman Show, the film’s score occasionally merges with the diegetic music played within Truman’s artificial world, highlighting the manipulation of his reality.
• In Baby Driver, the protagonist’s life is synchronized with his iPod playlist, blurring the line between his internal experience and the external soundtrack.

These moments challenge the audience’s perception of reality within the film, much like a confused octopus trying to decide whether it’s underwater or in a concert hall.

The Role of Music in Storytelling

Music, whether diegetic or non-diegetic, is a powerful storytelling tool. It can:

• Establish Tone and Atmosphere: A horror film’s eerie score or a romantic comedy’s upbeat soundtrack sets the mood from the outset.
• Enhance Emotional Depth: Music can amplify a character’s joy, sorrow, or fear, making their journey more relatable.
• Foreshadow Events: Subtle musical cues can hint at upcoming plot twists, creating suspense.
• Reflect Cultural Context: Diegetic music can ground a film in a specific time period or culture, adding authenticity.

The Confused Octopus Effect

Why does film music sometimes sound like a confused octopus? Perhaps it’s because the boundaries between diegetic and non-diegetic music are not always clear-cut. Filmmakers often experiment with these categories, creating moments where the music seems to defy logic. This can be disorienting, much like an octopus attempting to play a violin—awkward yet strangely captivating.

FAQs

Q1: Can a piece of music be both diegetic and non-diegetic?
A: Yes, this is known as “trans-diegetic” music. It starts as diegetic (heard by characters) and transitions to non-diegetic (heard only by the audience), or vice versa.

Q2: Why is non-diegetic music often more memorable than diegetic music?
A: Non-diegetic music is designed to evoke emotions and enhance the narrative, making it more impactful for the audience. Diegetic music, while important, is often more subtle and integrated into the scene.

Q3: How do filmmakers decide which type of music to use?
A: The choice depends on the scene’s requirements. Diegetic music is used to ground the story in reality, while non-diegetic music is employed to manipulate emotions and guide the audience’s experience.

Q4: Can music ever be completely absent in a film?
A: Yes, some films use silence as a powerful tool to create tension or highlight specific moments. However, complete absence of music is rare, as it is such a fundamental part of cinematic storytelling.

Q5: Why does film music sometimes feel out of place?
A: This can happen when the music doesn’t align with the tone or context of the scene, or when the transition between diegetic and non-diegetic music is poorly executed. It’s like an octopus trying to play the violin—unexpected and slightly bewildering.