ABSTRACT
The seven case studies in this section are examples where the use of existing classical music or adapting a classical source plays an integral part in delivering the desired narrative aim and where the resulting music moment is exceptionally powerful. There are many reasons why filmmakers may choose to use pieces of existing classical music in their films. They may like the mood, flavor, or aesthetic surface qualities of a specific piece. In Hollywood films, classical music is often associated with sophistication, wealth, privilege, and villains. The resulting effects are wide-ranging. In period dramas and other films set in the past, classical music may usefully help set the time period. The use of classical music as source music is quite common, notably during church services, at weddings, funerals, in restaurants, and at classy parties. Depending on the circumstances, characters may or may not engage with the source music directly. The use of existing classical music may be dictated by the very premise of the film. Occasionally, classical music serves as an inspirational starting point but may be re-arranged or adapted and newly recorded as part of an original score that better fits the structural or dramatic requirements of the respective film.
