Yeah, that's obviously an oxymoron. But hear me out...

Film music is a bit like special effects. They should support the narrative without being so obvious that they distract from it. If you're watching a movie and thinking "wow - great special effect", then it hasn't done it's job.

By the same token, if you have watched a movie and think "the film music was great", then it hasn't done it's job. Sort of. There are exceptions. of course. Title themes are OK. They normally play before the narrative has been established anyway. And of course there is music that is part of the narrative, like in musicals.

Then there are the odd moments when the music is obvious but still essential. For example the shower scene is Psycho.

But many times the film music is too ... pompous or inappropriate. And that takes me out of the film experience, which I find really annoying. A movie should be experienced as a whole. And since a movie is mainly a visual experience, film music should be "seen" and not heard. At least that's my opinion. Many will obviously disagree. I'd be interested to hear opinions from both sides.

I sort of agree. Classic example for me is Star Wars. Could you imagine the original Darth Vader entrance without that music? Reminds me of this famous scene from Don Giovanni.

Then there is another aspect that I like: post credits extensions to the theme song, featured songs and related variations. Sometimes I sit and listen throughout the entire post credits and enjoy it as much as the movie. Kind of like dessert after a fine meal. I wish I could remember a specific one. But I'm sure everybody knows what I'm talking about.

Got one: Pacific Rim. Actually during credits, not post. Close your eyes, crank it up and let your heart throb.

Quoting Doombear:

Quote:
Superman the Movie really benefits from its music.

Most movies benefit from their music. I haven't seen Superman the Movie in a long time, but I don't recall that the music stuck out, except of course the title music.

One movie that I watched recently stands out in my mind; The Last Wagon. Great western. One of Richard Widmark's best performances. But the score by Lionel Newman was just too overpowering at times, in my opinion.

Quoting ObiKen:

Quote:

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Even the silent movies of the past had a piano player!
...

A most excellent point!  That is probably one of the best examples of what Gunnar is getting at.

I dislike it when the music dates the movie.  Ladyhawke is a perfect example.  I understand they were trying to be hip, but that music just doesn't fit the movie.  Never did, never will.  And that's a shame because Ladyhawke is an outstanding movie.  If someone would just re-score that movie with some dramatic orchestral piece, I think it would benefit that movie greatly.