Descriptive Sounds

     While watching the horrible tragedy of Romeo & Juliet, I took note of the sound in the movie, and how it played a big role in it, and the intentions behind it. In Romeo & Juliet, there are two royal families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The two families are mortal enemies, and absolutely despise of eachother. At the same time, a Montague, Romeo, and a Capulet, Juliet, fall in love. The sound in the movie was extremely descriptive and the sound expressed the mood of the characters, and the whole scene.
      In the first scene of the movie, you are introduced to the Montague family, and the Capulet family. Although, no one ever tells you this family is like this, and this family is like this, so you have to infer. The music playing in the background really helped me to be able to infer. When they introduced the Capulet family, it was dark music, very scary and creepy almost. I used this detail to figure out that the Capulets are generally a mean and probably violent family. Then it showed the Montague family, which also had music playing in the background. This music was definitely more upbeat and light, and it gave off the sense that the Montague family was in general an overall more mellow family. Having that sound in the background  made it a lot easier to distinguish the two families, and follow them better throughout the story.
     Another way that the sound in the movie helped to express the mood and feeling of the scene were the fight scenes. For example, the very first scene the two families get into a fight at the gas station. The music playing in the background helped to make the scene seem more dangerous and suspenseful. It keeps you wondering what is going to happen to next, and how everything will play out. Also, I think the scary and dramatic music also helps the listener to understand how serious and deep the hatred between the two families really is. The background sound shows that this isn't just a silly little battle, it's a serious fight.
      The last way the sound really plays a big part in this movie is when Romeo & Juliet meet, and then fall in love. The first time they meet is at a Capulet party, beside a fish tank. Then Juliet is whisked away, and Romeo's heart tells him to follow her. The music at that moment seems lighthearted and fun, and it illustrates the picture of a boy running after the girl he is in love with. But that was just at the beginning. Once they fall in love the sounds definitely change. Whenever they are having an intimate moment, it's very quiet, thus showcasing their extremely close relationship. The complete silence helps to set the scene, and makes you really focus on everything. Also, at the good moments when they are together, they are completely smitten in love, and the music definitely demonstrates that. Every time it is a little different, and every time it gives off a feeling of warmth, and basically the sound of love.
     In conclusion, the sound in Romeo & Juliet helped to convey the feelings and the moods of the scenes and the characters. Romeo & Juliet is light and funny, heartwarming and loving, scary and violent, and devastating and tragic all at the same time. Without the sounds in the background, I don't think the ever-changing mood would be so well-percepted as it is now.