What are the Two Types of Music in a Film?

Influencers Of Emotions: What Are The Two Types of Music in a Film?

Music is a crucial component of film, shaping the emotional landscape of a story. It can pull your heartstrings or elevate the suspense to nail-biting levels. So what are the two types of music in a film? Understanding these types can give you a deeper appreciation of how films guide our emotions.

These distinctions are about storytelling. Therefore, music is divided into two parts— Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sounds. A scene where a character plays a vinyl record uses diegetic music, which becomes part of the scene’s reality. Conversely, think of the swelling orchestral score in a battle scene—non-diegetic music guiding the audience's experience. This concise balance between the two can majorly influence the scene, affecting how you feel about the narrative unfolding before your eyes.

So next time you watch a movie, listen closely. You might find yourself noticing the artful choices behind every sound.

Music Within the Story: The Diegetic Music

Diegetic music, also known as source music, is the music that exists within the world of the film. It’s the kind of music that characters can hear, and it often has a direct interaction with the scene. Imagine a character playing the piano, a band performing at a bar, or a song playing from a jukebox. All these are examples of diegetic music because the characters are aware of the music and may even interact with it.

This type of music is crucial for building the realism of a scene. It anchors the story, helping the audience feel like they are right there with the characters. Diegetic music can also serve as a storytelling device. For example, a character might sing a meaningful song that hints at their feelings or foreshadows events. It helps to create an impressive experience by merging sound with visuals, adding authenticity to a particular time or setting.

Characteristics of Diegetic Songs

Diegetic music enhances realism meaning that it grounds the narrative in reality. One great example could be given is the background sounds like birds chirping, or a wind that is meant to be part of the world that the character inhabits. Even could be a car engine sound that is driving down the street in a scene. Other functions could be considered as character developments where the music is played by the character, such as a piano played solo, revealing traits and emotions.

The Score That Shapes Emotion: Non-Diegetic Music

In contrast, non-diegetic is music that the characters cannot hear. It exists solely for the audience's experience, adding mood, tension, or thematic depth. Think of the soaring violins in a romantic scene or the foreboding bass during a thriller. This is often what people also refer to as the "film score." It can transform a simple scene into something grand, infusing it with emotional weight that guides the audience's feelings.

Non-diegetic music allows filmmakers to emphasize certain moments without altering the reality the characters experience. It can tell the viewer how to feel about a scene, whether it’s excitement, sadness, tension, or dread. Because it operates outside the characters' awareness, non-diegetic music has more freedom in its style and can employ themes and motifs that underscore a film’s narrative or message.

Characteristics of Non-Diegetic Music

Non-diegetic music greatly enhances the emotional impact of scenes along with the filmic look LUT and the Colorist Advanced Toolset PowerGrades making joyful moments feel brighter or sad ones feel more profound. It can set a mood instantly and create a consistent musical theme that binds different scenes together, giving the movie a coherent feel.

The Impact of Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Music on Storytelling

So what are the two types of music in a film and how do they affect storytelling? Obviously, the play between diegetic and non-diegetic music is what makes film soundtracks so versatile and effective. Both types of music have the power to transform a scene, but they do so in different ways. While diegetic music can make scenes feel more natural and grounded, non-diegetic music heightens the cinematic experience, adding an emotional layer that the characters remain blissfully unaware of.

How Directors Use Both Types for Maximum Effect

Directors often blend diegetic and non-diegetic music to blur the line between the film's reality and the audience’s experience. This technique, known as trans-diegetic music, can start with music playing in a scene that gradually transitions into the film's score. It’s an effective way to shift the audience's focus from the characters' world to the emotional undertones of a scene.

A notable example is the transition in "The Shining" (1980) where the eerie music from a radio playing in the scene subtly becomes the movie's score, seamlessly shifting the tone from ordinary to unsettling. This technique helps maintain immersion while guiding the audience's emotional response.

How to Identify Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Music When Watching Films

Here is a fun activity for you that you can apply during your film watch. To easily spot the difference, you can ask yourself if the character is aware of the music, and if it does react to or interact with the sound, then it is diegetic. Another great spotting you can do is to consider the scene’s tone. Non-diegetic music usually aligns with the intended mood of the scene but isn’t acknowledged by the characters. Lastly, try to listen for transitions. Sometimes, music shifts from being in the characters’ world to being part of the film's score.

Why Understanding These Types Matters for Viewers

For viewers, understanding these two types of music can deepen their appreciation for the art of filmmaking. It reveals how directors use every element— including music — to tell a richer, more alluring story. Next time you watch a movie, try listening with a critical ear. You’ll be surprised at how much music influences your perception of a scene. It reveals how directors use every element—including music—to tell a richer, more captivating story.

Now that you know the difference, go ahead and let your next movie night be a musical exploration!