Film Language Tag: musical theme
Clearly defined melodies that
are "developed" (or altered and commented on) in a composition; for short musical themes, the terms 'theme' and 'motive' are essentially interchangeable. In film, a musical theme functions like the literary motif, a significant recurring sound element. [See also leitmotif and sound motif]. At Kinolab, we use the musical theme to refer to a larger piece of recurrent music within the film’s score or soundtrack. For a shorter piece of recurring sound (that is not always musical nature), see sound motif. For a shorter piece that is associated with a specific character, object, or idea, see leitmotif(sound).
"Hush, Little One, Hush", The Night of the Hunter
John (Billy Chapin) and Pearl (Sally Jane Bruce) hideaway in a barn for the night on the run from Harry (Robert Mitchum).
"I Slipped", Once Upon a Time in America
Bugsy (James Russo) ambushes the boys and shoots Dominic (Noah Moazezi). Noodles (Scott Tiler) kills Bugsy in retaliation and is sent to prison.
"Pretty Fly", The Night of the Hunter
John (Billy Chapin) and Pearl (Sally Jane Bruce) accidentally reveal the $10,000 is stashed in Pearl's doll and escape from Harry (Robert Mitchum).
"Somewhere" Reprise (Closing Sequence), West Side Story
Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) find each other in the playground. Chino (Jose De Vega) shoots Tony, who dies in Maria's arms while the Sharks and the Jets watch.
"Tonight", West Side Story
Tony (Richard Beymer) finds Maria (Natalie Wood) on her fire escape.
A Date with the Porter, The Third Man
When Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) and Anna Schmidt (Alida Valli) arrive at the Porter's place, the Porter is already dead. The crowd believes Martins was involved and chase him down the street.
A Drop of Blood, Show Boat
Julie () and Steve () are threatened by the Sheriff for miscegenation.
A Favor for Fontane, The Godfather
Tom (Robert Duval) travels to Hollywood to try to convince Jack Woltz (John Marley) to give Johnny Fontane (Al Martino) a role in his upcoming film.
A Game of Roulette, Run Lola Run
After just missing her father (Herbert Knaup), Lola (Franka Potente) goes to the casino to win the money.
A Loving Brother, Once Upon a Time in the West
Frank (Henry Fonda) rides to Sweetwater to face Harmonica (Charles Bronson) in a duel. Harmonica recalls how he gained his harmonica.
A Man Named Frank, Once Upon a Time in the West
Brett McBain (Frank Wolff) and his children prepare a feast for their new mother which is interrupted by a group of men led by Frank (Henry Fonda).
A Trance, Losing Ground
Sara (Seret Scott) and Duke (Duane Jones) become closer as they work on George's (Gary Bolling) film.
A Trip to the Seashore, Jules and Jim
Jules (Oskar Werner), Jim (Henri Serre) and Catherine (Jeanne Moreau) take a trip to the seashore, where Jules asks Catherine to marry him.
Abuela Claudia, In the Heights
Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz) passes away during the heat of the blackout.
Alex Kitner, Jaws
Alex Kitner (Jeffrey Voorhees) is attacked and killed by the shark at a crowded beach
Always Green, Everliving, Vertigo
Scottie (James Stewart) and Madeleine (Kim Novak) wander together, walking amongst the redwoods.
An Attempted Hit, The Godfather Part II
In the middle of the night, someone attempts to kill Michael (Al Pacino). Michael tells Tom (Robert Duvall) that he suspects a betrayal within the family.
Audition for Markos, The Weeping Meadow
Alexis (Nikos Poursanidis) is invited to play his accordion for a renowned musician named Markos.
Batman Opening Title Sequence, Batman
A list of opening credits while the camera pans around the titular logo.
Bosses, Once Upon a Time in America
Noodles (Robert De Niro) shares some reservations with Max (James Woods).
Bride in White, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve) accepts Roland's (Marc Michel) marriage proposal, while pregnant with Guy's (Nino Castelnuovo) child.
Captain Buffalo, Sergeant Rutledge
The regiment sets up camp for the night to rest, while Lieutenant Top Cantrell (Jeffrey Hunter) converses with Miss Beecher (Constance Towers).
Catch Me If You Can Opening Title Sequence, Catch Me If You Can
A list of digital opening titles alongside a cat-and-mouse game between the FBI and the protagonist.
Cheyenne Visits, Once Upon a Time in the West
Cheyenne (Jason Robards) visits Jill (Claudia Cardinale) at Sweetwater to think over the killings.
Christmas, The Learning Tree
Newt's (Kyle Johnson) family have a pleasant Christmas morning while Marcus (Alex Clarke) is returned to Spitz Reformatory after an escape attempt.
Christmas (Closing Sequence), The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Guy (Nino Castelnuovo) runs a gas station with his wife Madeleine (Ellen Farner). Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve) returns to Cherbrourg for the first time since marriage.
Clemenza, The Godfather Part II
Vito (Robert de Niro) properly meets Clemenza (Bruno Kirby), who ropes him into a plot to steal a rug.
Closing Sequence, Frances Ha
Frances settles down at a new desk job at the dance company, gets her own apartment, and showcases a new dance she choreographed.
Closing Sequence, Moonlight
Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) goes to Kevin's (Andre Holland) apartment by the beach.
Closing Sequence , Once Upon a Time in the West
Cheyenne (Jason Robards) reveals to Harmonica (Charles Bronson) that he's been shot. The train arrives at Sweetwater station.
Closing Sequence, Once Upon a Time in America
In 1933, Noodles (Robert De Niro) goes to the opium den in the wake off his friends death. He smiles.
Closing Sequence, Jaws
Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) gets trapped underwater. Quint (Robert Shaw) is eaten by the shark. Brody (Roy Scheider) finally kills the beast.
Closing Sequence, The Godfather
After the baptism, Connie (Talia Shire) and Kay (Diane Keaton) confront Michael (Al Pacino) about his actions. Then, Michael is acknowledged as the new Don Corleone.
Crash Course, The Exorcist
Chris shoots a scene and goes home.
Crossed Letters, Jules and Jim
When Jim (Henri Serre) and Catherine's (Jeanne Moreau) relationship sours after they fail to make a baby together, a letter correspondence complicates the matter.
Death Inside, Once Upon a Time in the West
After killing Frank (Henry Fonda), Harmonica (Charles Bronson) and Cheyenne (Jason Robards) leave Jill (Claudia Cardinale) and Sweetwater.
Destroy Me, Hiroshima Mon Amour
He (Eiji Okada) asks her (Emmanuelle Riva) to stay in Hiroshima. They walk around the city.
Dime-Store Romance, Hiroshima Mon Amour
He (Eiji Okada) and her (Emmanuelle Riva) walk to the Hiroshima train station.
Dinner with Lev, Frances Ha
Frances invites Lev out to dinner because she got a tax rebate, but has to run to an ATM when she can't pay.
Epilogue, La La Land
After five years of separation, Mia (Emma Stone) stumbles across Seb's (Ryan Gosling) jazz club.
Epilogue Continued (Closing Sequence), La La Land
Mia (Emma Stone) and Seb (Ryan Gosling) say farewell to one another.
Expression of Faith in A Foreign Place, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) visit a church in Switzerland. Simran prays in front of the altar while Raj jokes around. After Simran’s departure from the scene, Raj prays for Simran as well.
Farewell Ball , The Birth of a Nation
The town of Piedmont celebrates the first battle of Bull Run.
Get Out (Closing Sequence), Get Out
Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) continues his escape from the Armitage estate. While on the road, Rose (Allison Williams) catches up to him.
Get Ready, Once Upon a Time in America
In 1968, Noodles (Robert De Niro) reunites with Fat Moe (Larry Rapp) after having received a letter asking to rebury his friends.
Goldfinger Opening Title Sequence, Goldfinger
A list of opening credits side by side with moments from the film projected onto close-ups of a gold woman.
Green Light (Closing Sequence), Paris, Texas
Jane (Nastassja Kinski) and Hunter (Hunter Carson) reunite, and Travis (Harry Dean Stanton) watches from afar.
Guido's Harem, 8½
Guido (Marcello Mastroianni) dreams of all the women in his life forming a harem that treats him like a king.
Guy Returns, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Back from Algeria, Guy (Nino Castelnuovo) learns that Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve) has married and left Cherbourg.
He Can Shoot, Once Upon a Time in the West
Cheyenne (Jason Robards) rides off after finishing his conversation with Jill (Claudia Cardinale). Jill gets a surprise visit from Harmonica (Charles Bronson).
High Noon Opening Title Sequence, High Noon
A list of opening titles superimposed upon the gang arriving to town. Popularized the theme song, especially among westerns.
Hiroshima and Nevers (Closing Sequence), Hiroshima Mon Amour
In the morning, she (Emmanuelle Riva) and him (Eiji Okada) meet in a hotel room.
Houston, Paris, Texas
Travis (Harry Dean Stanton) and Hunter (Hunter Carson) arrive at a bank in Houston, and stake it out in hopes of finding Jane (Nastassja Kinski).
How Long Does Tomorrow Last?, Eternity and a Day
Alexandre (Bruno Ganz) revisits the empty family home and recalls Anna's (Isabelle Renauld) letter.
In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, Moonlight
Juan (Mahershala Ali) teaches Chiron (Alex R Hibbert) to swim.
Jill, Once Upon a Time in the West
Jill (Claudia Cardinale) arrives in Flagstone and finds no one there to meet her.
Judy Transformed, Vertigo
Judy (Kim Novak) finally becomes Madeleine again for Scottie (James Stewart).
Keep Walking, Once Upon a Time in America
After watching her perform, Noodles (Robert De Niro) visits Deborah (Elizabeth McGovern) backstage and learns she is with Secretary Bailey and has a son (Rusty Jacobs).
Keeping Appointments, Once Upon a Time in the West
Harmonica (Charles Bronson) follows Wobbles (Marco Zuanelli) to Morton (Gabriele Ferzetti) and Frank's (Henry Fonda) train car, and gets captured.
Knowing How to Play, Once Upon a Time in the West
Jill (Claudia Cardinale) and her driver (Paolo Stoppa) stop at a tavern. The outlaw Cheyenne (Jason Robards) enters wearing shackles and a man playing a harmonica (Charles Bronson) sits in the corner.
Les Girls Opening Title Sequence, Les Girls
A list of opening credits alongside images of each actor's character.
Lolita Opening Title Sequence, Lolita
A list of superimposed opening credits while the title character gets a pedicure from the protagonist.
Margaret Anne, Ratcatcher
James (William Eadie) joins the local gang at Margaret Anne's (Leanna Mullen) house.
Meeting Orestes, Landscape in the Mist
Voula (Tania Palaiologou) and Alexandros (Michalis Zeke) meet Orestes (Stratos Tzortzoglou), an actor driving a van on his way to meet his troupe.
Mei Li Meets Wang Ta, Flower Drum Song
Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki) meets Wang Ta (James Shigeta) for the first time. After their introductions, Mei Li sings, "I Am Going to Like It Here."
Michael in Italy, The Godfather
After killing Sollozzo, Michael (Al Pacino) flees to Sicily.
Newt and Arcella, The Learning Tree
Newt (Kyle Johnson) grows close with the new girl in town, Marcella Jefferson (Mira Waters).
Old Man River, Show Boat
Joe (Paul Robeson) sings about the Mississippi River.
Opening Sequence, Get Out
Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) get ready to drive up to Rose's parents' house for the weekend.
Opening Sequence, Eternity and a Day
Three boys run into the sea.
Opening Sequence, The Weeping Meadow
A group of Greek refugees from Bolshevik-run Odessa, led by Spyros (Vasilis Kolovos), settle near a river.
Opening Sequence, Before Midnight
Jesse (Ethan Hawke) says goodbye to his son Hank (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick) at the airport.
Opening Sequence , Once Upon a Time in the West
Three gunmen (Woody Strode, Al Mulock, Jack Elam) prepare to ambush a harmonica-playing stranger (Charles Bronson).
Opening Sequence, Jaws
A young woman, Chrissie Watkins (Susan Backlinie) goes skinny dipping at night on Amity Island and is fatally mauled by a great white shark.
Opening Sequence, The Piano
Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) plays the piano.
Opening Sequence, Carmen Jones
Cindy Lou (Olga James) visits Joe (Harry Belafonte) at his military base.
Opening Sequence, The Hunger
Miriam Blaylock (Catherine Deneuve) and John (David Bowie) invite a young couple from the nightclub to their home.
Opening Sequence, The Godfather
Don Vito Coreleone (Marlon Brando) listens to requests on the day of his daughter's wedding.
Opening Sequence, The Night of the Hunter
Serial killer and self-proclaimed preacher Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) is on the run from the law.
Opening Sequence, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart) and his wife Hallie (Vera Miles) return to the western town of Shinbone. Former Marshal Appleyard (Andy Devine) takes Hallie to see the cactus roses.
Peter Confesses to Michael , An Early Frost
After Michael Pierson's (Aidan Quinn) diagnosis with AIDS, Peter, his partner (D.W. Moffett) admits that he may have transmitted the HIV virus to him. Michael responds angrily, eventually telling him to leave their apartment
Print the Legend (Closing Sequence), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Ransom (James Stewart) finishes recounting to newspaper editor Maxwell (Carleton Young), who rips up the written record. Ransom and Hallie (Vera Miles) return to D.C.
Quinn's Shoes, Ratcatcher
Ryan Quinn's mother (Jackie Quinn) gifts James (William Eadie) shoes she had bought for Ryan (Thomas McTaggart).
Rebirth, Run Lola Run
Lola (Franka Potente) begins her second try at saving Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu).
Roach, Once Upon a Time in America
Young Noodles (Scott Tiler) pines for Fat Moe's (Mike Monetti) sister Deborah (Jennifer Connelly) and spies on her through a small hole in the wall.
Sacramento, CA, Frances Ha
Broke and out of an apartment, Frances goes back home to live with her family in Sacramento, California for the holiday season.
Sheet Music, The Weeping Meadow
Nikos (Giorgos Armenis) is shot in the row of sheets in the refugee camp.
Shinbone, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Ransom (James Stewart) helps out Hallie (Vera Miles) and the Ericson's (Jeanette Nolan, John Qualen) at the restaurant. Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) comes to town and harasses Ransom, but Tom (John Wayne) steps in.
Sing Without the Wind, The Weeping Meadow
The musicians hold a dance for Union members hunted by police. Spyros (Vasilis Kolovos) dies after dancing with Eleni (Alexandra Aidini).
Skyfall Opening Title Sequence, Skyfall
A list of opening credits superimposed upon digital imagery and extreme close-ups.
Snow in Halloween Town, The Nightmare Before Christmas
The citizens of Halloween Town admire the snowfall. Meanwhile, Jack (Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman [singing]) and Sally (Catherine O'Hara) share a tender moment.
Souvenirs of a Killing, Vertigo
Scottie (James Ferguson) and Judy (Kim Novak), now transformed as Madeleine again, revisit the bell tower.
Spider-Man Opening Title Sequence, Spider-Man
A list of opening credits in conjunction with digital webbing and foreshadowing imagery.
Suzy Follows the Footsteps, Suspiria
Suzy hears the footsteps and decides to follow them to Madame Blanc's office.
The Aftermath, The Godfather
After Don Coreleone (Marlon Brando) was shot, Sonny (James Caan), Tom (Robert Duvall), and Michael (Al Pacino) work with Clemenza (Richard Castellano) to pick up the pieces.
The Bell Tower, Vertigo
Scottie (James Stewart) brings Madeleine (Kim Novak) to the mission in her dreams.
The Bride is Gone, The Weeping Meadow
Eleni (Alexandra Aidini) flees with Alexis (Nikos Poursanidis) after the end of her wedding to Spyros (Vasilis Kolovos) and join with a band of musicians.
The Bus, Eternity and a Day
With the boy (Achileas Skevis) set to depart in two hours, Alexandre (Bruno Ganz) and the boy take a bus ride and are joined by a protestor, an arguing couple, three musicians, and a poet (Fabrizio Bentivoglio).
The Chaser Opening Title Sequence, The Chaser
A list of opening titles superimposed upon the antagonist claiming another victim and our introduction to the protagonist.
The Faces That I See, Killer of Sheep
Children play in an abandoned lot while Stan (Henry G Sanders) works at the slaughter house.
The Flood, The Weeping Meadow
Eleni (Alexandra Aidini) and Alexis (Nikos Poursanidis) abandon New Odessa after it is flooded by the rising waters of the nearby lake.
The Gun, Losing Ground
In the final scene of George's (Gary Bolling) film, Sara (Seret Scott) shoots her unfaithful lover.
The Heir to the Corleone Name, The Godfather
The Don (Marlon Brando) prepares Michael (Al Pacino) for what's to come.
The Hermes Crew, The Martian
Commander Melissa Lewis (Jessica Chastain) discusses the possibility of altering the course of the Hermes with the rest of her crew members including Alex Vogel (Aksel Hennie), Chris Beck (Sebastian Stan), Rick Martinez (Michael Peña), and Beth Johanssen (Kate Mara).
The Last Night of Liberty Valance (Part 2), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Ransom (James Stewart) faces Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) in a gunfight and kills him.
The Light, Losing Ground
Sara (Seret Scott) poses for a portrait.
The McBain Family, Once Upon a Time in the West
Jill (Claudia Cardinale) arrives at Sweetwater and finds a gathering for the funeral of her husband Brett McBain (Frank Wolff) and his children.
The Musician's Hangout, The Weeping Meadow
Nikos (Giorgos Armenis) takes Eleni (Alexandra Aidini) and Alexis (Nikos Poursanidis) to another refugee camp with a community of musicians.
The Pink Panther Opening Title Sequence, The Pink Panther
A list of animated opening credits while a detective plays a cat-and-mouse game with a pink panther.
The Room Below, Show Boat
Gaylord Ravenal (Allan Jones) and Magnolia Hawks (Irene Dunne) sing about their love for each other.
The Ruse Revealed, Vertigo
Judy (Kim Novak) writes a letter to Scottie (James Stewart) explaining her con as Madeleine, but rips it up instead of leaving it for him.
The Shining Opening Title Sequence, The Shining
A list of opening credits over the protagonist's drive to his interview at the hotel.
The Showboat Arrives, Show Boat
Captain Andy Hawks (Charles Winninger) and his showboat arrive in Natchez, Mississippi.
The Source of the River (Closing Sequence), The Weeping Meadow
Eleni (Alexandra Aidini) finds Yorgis' body in the remnants of Spyros' (Vasilis Kolovos) house in New Odessa.
The Spy Who Loved Me Opening Title Sequence, The Spy Who Loved Me
A list of opening titles superimposed upon a cat and mouse dancing game between the two main characters.
The Stink of the Streets, Once Upon a Time in America
Hanging out with union leader Jimmy O'Donnell (Treat Williams) in recovery, Noodles (Robert De Niro) and Max (James Woods) argue about an offer for work after Prohibition ends.
The Stoneman and Cameron Families, The Birth of a Nation
The Stoneman and Cameron families are introduced.
The Terminator Opening Title Sequence, The Terminator
A list of all-digital opening credits after a futuristic opening which lays the groundwork for the rest of the film.
The Three Lunatics, Jules and Jim
Jim (Henri Serre) moves into the chalet officially as Catherine's (Jeanne Moreau) lover with Jules' (Oskar Werner) blessing, and the three live happily for a while.
The Tornado, The Learning Tree
A tornado tears through Cherokee Falls, and Newt (Kyle Johnson) is taken to safety by Big Mabel (Carol Lamond).
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Opening Title Sequence, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
The people of Cherbourg walks down the streets.
They Abide (Closing Sequence), The Night of the Hunter
John (Billy Chapin) and Pearl (Sally Jane Bruce) spend their first Christmas with Ms. Cooper (Lillian Gish).
This Secret World, Frances Ha
Frances describes what she wants in a relationship at a dinner party.
Time Sure Flies, Once Upon a Time in the West
Frank (Henry Fonda) tries to persuade Harmonica (Charles Bronson) in selling him Jill's (Claudia Cardinale) land. Frank's men plan an ambush.
To Germany, Landscape in the Mist
After saying goodbye to their friend Seagull (Ilias Logothetis), Voula (Tania Palaiologou) and Alexandros (Michalis Zeke) finally sneak onto a Germany-bound train.
Unemployed, Once Upon a Time in America
Noodles (Robert De Niro) and Max (James Woods) go on vacation in Florida and learn about the end of Prohibition. Max suggests the gang robs the New York Federal Reserve Bank.
Voices of the Gods, In the Heights
Vanessa (Melissa Barrera) shows Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) her work and Usnavi decides to stay in Washington Heights.
What a Shame, Once Upon a Time in America
Noodles (Scott Tiler) and Deborah (Jennifer Connelly) share an intimate moment on Passover, which Max (Rusty Jacobs) interrupts. Noodles and Max get into an altercation with Bugsy (James Russo).
Where Are You Taking Me?, The Weeping Meadow
After seeing the corpse of her son Yannnis and receiving a four-year old letter from dead Alexis (Nikos Poursanidis), Eleni (Alexandra Aidini) is taken in by some remorseful women (Toula Stathopoulou).
Yesterday, Once Upon a Time in America
Noodles (Robert De Niro) returns to Fat Moe's (Larry Rapp) to grab a key from a clock. Using the key to unlock a train locker, he discovers a suitcase full of newspapers. Noodles buys a ticket to Buffalo.
You Ain't Shit, Moonlight
Juan (Mahershala Ali) realizes he's been selling drugs to Chiron's mother Paula (Naomie Harris) and Paula vents her frustration on her son.
