MHST 358 Models of Film Music
This course will explore selected film composers and their scores mostly from the US but in comparison with films from France, Japan, Turkey, and India. The course focuses on the time
period 1930 to the present, emphasizing genre, international approaches as well as how the craftsmanship of the film composer changed since the 1930s. We will study the ways that early film music scores developed from a reliance on the techniques and styles of symphonic program music and romantic opera to embrace modern musico-historical developments, such as poly-tonality, serialism, Jazz, rock/funk beats, and ethnic music. Films to be studied closely include: King Kong, Vertigo, Psycho, Spartacus, Planet of the Apes, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Jaws, Amélie, Dreams, Eşkiya and Awaraa. Assignments include readings, response papers, transcription and analysis, an oral presentation, and final project. There will be a midterm quiz, but no final exam.