The Use of Ostinato in Film Music

The Basics

An ostinato is a melody or a rhythm that repeats persistently throughout a piece of music. It’s a fundamental tool often used in film scores.
The ostinato’s repetitive nature allows composers to establish a strong sonic identity or mood within a film.

The Function of Ostinato in Film Music

Ostinatos can introduce and create narrative continuity. By repeating a single musical idea, composers can link disparate scenes, suggesting a shared theme or emotion.
They can establish a consistent atmosphere or mood, providing a kind of musical ‘background’ that supports the unfolding story.
The use of ostinato can prompt emotional responses and build anticipation; the repetition often feels ‘unresolved’, pushing the listener forward into the narrative.

Ostinatos in Different Film Genres

In thriller or suspense films, ostinato patterns often replicate heartbeat or clock ticking sounds to increase tension.
In fantasy films, mystical sounding ostinatos can evoke a sense of wonder and magic.
In epic or adventure films, bold, repeating melodies often drive the narrative forward and underscore the momentum of the story.

Notable Examples of Ostinatos in Film Music

The relentless, driving ostinato in Hans Zimmer’s score for ‘Inception’ contributes to the film’s tense, dreamlike atmosphere.
John Williams’ famous two-note ostinato in ‘Jaws’ creates a sense of impending danger and is synonymous with the shark’s presence.
The rhythmic ostinato in Phillip Glass’ score for ‘Koyaanisqatsi’ symbolizes the relentless pace of modern life.

Understanding Ostinatos in Film Music

To grasp the use of an ostinato, consider when and how it’s repeated, its relation to the narrative, and the emotional response it provokes.
Examining the instrumentation, tempo, dynamic variation, and the structure of an ostinato can enrich understanding of its function.
Active listening to film music, identifying and analysing the ostinatos, can deepen comprehension and appreciation of film music as a whole.