A Discussion on the roles of music in the film ‘BRASSED Off’

Music is central to the plot of this film, manifested in the Grimley Colliery Band. Remove the music and you would be left with no film at all. Music provides the pun-title and the progress of the band is paralleled against the plight of its associated pit throughout the film. All the characters in the film have some link, be it direct or indirect with music.

“It’s music that matters”. This is the opinion of Danny, the pivotal character, from the very beginning of the film, so his connection to music will be the main focal point of this essay. The relationship between key characters and the band as well as its link with the local community will also be discussed. How music is employed through the film’s soundtrack to enhance the viewer’s response will also be examined.

The importance of music to the lives of the film’s characters is a central theme. Most notably, for Danny the bandleader who is unique in his view that the pit and the colliery band are ‘summat separate’, music means everything. His passion for music is the driving force behind the band and also his main reason for living. He is intent on getting the band to the national finals at the Albert Hall fo

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The colliery band is shown as an important symbol of traditional pride to the local community. This then allows for the clever jarring effect, as Danny delivers his powerful epiphany. Accompanied by Harry’s dramatic, almost rock ’n roll style conducting, the viewer is left with a feeling of satisfaction. Whenever attention focuses on him, the music is always sad and slow, reflecting his ill health and isolation.

The soundtrack to ‘BRASSED Off’ is almost exclusively provided by The Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band. Danny’s change of view on the importance of music is the vehicle used for delivering the main message of the film, that really, it is people that matter. It also shows how music affects them on a personal level. He lives in an isolated world where he is seemingly unaware of the impending pit closure and the anxiety this is causing his band members. Although they enjoy it, they don’t really love it.

The use of the William Tell Overture at the Albert Hall final is an excellent choice of powerful, exhilarating music. The band get a great send off when they leave for the final.

This is reinforced by the views of people outside the band, such as Jim and Ernie’s wives, Betty and Vera, though it is interesting to note that they support the band later in the film, after they discover that the music really moves them, even going to the lengths of dying their hair in the band’s colours. This is why he finds it so hard to tell Danny of the band’s decision to quit, as he knows that the hope of winning the national finals is the only thing that is keeping his dad clinging to life. His love for the band even exceeds concern for his own health.

Common topics in this essay:
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Approximate Word count = 1490
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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