Two: Now, Voyager (1942), musical underscore: Max Steiner
Background: this is a Hollywood studio film in the so-called "Women's Melodrama" genre. These films tended to focus on female protagonists whose romantic relationships bring them into conflict with social norms. Mrs. Vale is a wealthy older widow who lives with her youngest daughter, Charlotte. Charlotte is on the verge of a breakdown from her mother's overbearing, emotionally cruel treatment. Rescued by Dr. Jacquith (a kind psychiatrist) Charlotte (having undergone a glamorous make-over) is sent on a cruise to experience the world on her own terms. She falls in love with the unhappily married Jerry Durance, and complications ensue.
Write an essay in which you describe the use of music in these excerpts, addressing the following issues:
How does this music fit the model of the Classical Hollywood film score?
How are musical elements (be as specific and descriptive as possible!) employed with regards to film form, narrative, and emotional expression?
Describe a specific motive, style, or instrumentation that returns in multiple places. What expressive purpose does repetition this serve?
Below is an outline of the clips, with some hints as to important returning musical ideas, and some additional questions/issues that you should address in the course of writing your answers.
Opening Credits and some exposition: what srt of tone does this set for the film? (5 pts) (The seven-note motive we first hear when "Now Voyager" appears on the screen will return.)