Alexandre Desplat: 'Some films that I love, I love them also because of the music. 'Vertigo,' for example, is a movie where the music is doing 70 percent of the job.'

Some films that I love, I love them also because of the music. 'Vertigo,' for example, is a movie where the music is doing 70 percent of the job.

In this thought-provoking quote by Alexandre Desplat, the renowned film composer highlights the profound impact that music can have on the overall cinematic experience. He suggests that certain films become unforgettable in large part due to their accompanying music, going so far as to assert that in Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece "Vertigo," the music plays a significant role in conveying the film's essence, accounting for a substantial 70 percent of its impact. This perspective emphasizes the importance of the auditory dimension in storytelling and raises intriguing questions about the relationship between music and cinema. However, beneath the surface lies a philosophical concept that adds an unexpected layer of depth and intrigue to the discussion.On the surface, Desplat's remark is a straightforward acknowledgment of the power of music to enhance and elevate cinematic narratives. Films are a combination of various art forms, where visuals, acting, storytelling, and music merge to create a compelling experience. Desplat's observation suggests that in some instances, the music becomes a defining element, playing a pivotal role in shaping the emotional landscape and driving the narrative forward. By attributing such a significant percentage to the music's impact in "Vertigo," he encourages us to pay closer attention to this often underappreciated aspect of filmmaking.Delving deeper, Desplat's quote also invites us to reflect on the philosophical concept of the interconnectedness of art forms and the potential for these intertwined elements to enhance one another. It raises the question of whether a film can truly be appreciated and understood without considering the role of music, or if, in some cases, it holds a key to unlocking the film's true essence. This concept transcends the realm of cinema, extending to the broader exploration of the interplay between different art forms and their influence on our perceptions and emotions.Comparatively, Desplat's perspective aligns with the longstanding tradition of using music as a powerful tool of expression and communication. From ancient times, music has served as a language to convey emotions, evoke memories, and tell stories. Its capacity to elicit an immediate emotional response has made it an indispensable component of various art forms, including film. Like a secret code, it possesses the remarkable ability to bypass rational thought and directly touch our hearts and souls, igniting a cascade of feelings and reactions. In this sense, Desplat's assertion that music drives 70 percent of the job in "Vertigo" resonates with the broader recognition of music's communicative power throughout the ages.However, Desplat's viewpoint also sparks intriguing contradictions when juxtaposed against the commonly held belief that film is a visual medium. Traditionally, the visual aspect of cinema has been considered its primary vehicle for storytelling. Yet Desplat emphasizes the significance of the auditory element, suggesting that the score can overtake even the visual narrative in terms of impact. This raises profound questions about the dominant role of visuals in cinema and the potential for a more equitable partnership between the visual and auditory dimensions.In embracing Desplat's perspective, one can begin to see film as a symphony of senses, where every element, be it visual or auditory, contributes to the creation of a harmonious and immersive experience. Such an integration of the senses expands our perception of films, allowing us to appreciate their multifaceted nature beyond the confines of a single medium.Alexandre Desplat's quote compels us to reassess the significance of music in cinema and recognize its capacity to elevate films to new heights. By suggesting that the music in "Vertigo" accounts for 70 percent of the film's impact, he prompts us to consider the interplay between different art forms and invites us to delve into the philosophical exploration of their interconnectedness. Music's communicative power, combined with its ability to coexist alongside visuals, invites us to broaden our understanding of cinema as a sensory symphony. Ultimately, Desplat's quote serves as a testament to the extraordinary potential of music to shape our emotional responses and enhance our appreciation of the cinematic experience.