This essay concerns the traditional view of the function of music in film. It’s a study of the existing theories within the research area of modern film music and their applicability on film music in general. Is the function of film music always the same or is it depending on the film itself? The objects of my studies are The Piano, a film written and directed by Jane Campion, and the soundtrack composed by Michael Nyman. The central issue is to determine whether the main characters muteness has an impact on the music’s significance and if so, in which way? The purpose of this essay is foremost to broaden the traditional view of film music as being added to, instead of being a part of, a film as a whole. The intention is also to give film music and all its composers the acknowledgement of being a part of a unique art form.