This study examines the relationship between music and image in two of Hayao Miyazaki's films. Based on literature studies on film music and narrativity, together with an analysis of how the music is used in the films Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service, the study shows how the music affects the narrative. The questions discussed in this reflective essay are: What is the narrative function of Hisaishi's compositions for Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films? What is the function of the leitmotifs and are any musical codes used? Does diegetic music appear in the films? How are the leitmotifs associated with the characters in different situations? Do the motifs convey objects, characters, emotions, places or something else? The conclusion of the paper shows that by using leitmotifs, musical themes and codes, Hisaishi has managed to strengthen and enhance the narrative of both films. Hisaishi's compositions for both Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service have been shown to play a significant role in the viewer's experience of the film and its plot. Hisaishi's use of leitmotifs varies depending on the character, event or emotion it represents. Some of the leitmotifs convey the characters' emotions and expressions to the audience, which we would otherwise not see through dialogue alone. The composer also uses a lot of musical codes and even diegetic music. Several cultural musical codes can be heard that make the audience associate with a Western culture.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-507413 |
| Date | January 2023 |
| Creators | Kiviniemi, Kristina |
| Publisher | Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för musikvetenskap |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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