A Discussion on the roles of music in the film 'BRASSED Off'
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
The soundtrack to 'BRASSED Off' is almost exclusively provided by The Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band. 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. The soundtrack is used cleverly throughout the film to enhance the emotive content of many crucial scenes, through the use of crescendos, contrasts in mood and tempo. The colliery band is shown as an important symbol of traditional pride to the local community. This strong link between affordability and the band members is often revisited through the film. Despite being in trouble with loan sharks and his rocky marriage to Sandra, he still buys a new trombone for the semi finals in Halifax. When the band plays to Danny, as he lies in hospital, it is very moving, particularly with Andy whistling through lack of an instrument. Even when Gloria's role at the colliery is exposed, Danny is the only person to ignore this fact, seeing her purely in terms of her musical ability unlike other band members who see her as a meddler. Ironically she becomes Danny's closest supporter and proves to be a valuable asset to the band. This then allows for the clever jarring effect, as Danny delivers his powerful epiphany. 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. Gloria has a genuine love for music and tradition. Music provides the main plot of the film and is also there to influence the viewer's emotional response. He no longer subscribes to the view that "It's music that matters". The band only sound as good as it's weakest link, just as the miner's only have any power in solidarity.
Common topics in this essay:
Albert Hall,
Betty Vera,
Accompanied Harry's,
Band Remove,
Gloria Mullins,
Ironically Danny's,
Brass Band,
Unlike Danny's,
Halifax Phil's,
Jim Ernie,
music provides,
colliery band,
throughout film,
albert hall,
national finals,
band source local,
music matters,
'brassed off',
importance music,
film music,
band source,
roles music film,
source local pride,
it's music matters,
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Acceptance Essays
