Character as DJ:Melomaniaand Diegetically Controlled Music

Abstract

Despite a wealth of literature on the narrative and emotional implications of film music, little has been written on the relationship between musical choices and characterisation. When character is discussed in relation to music, the focus tends to be on how directors and sound designers use non-diegetic music – either a score or pre-existing songs – to comment on a character's psyche. This article considers possible implications of, and benefits to, characters shown to choose and play music for themselves. In Auteur Music, Claudia Gorbman uses the term melomane to describe ‘music-loving directors’ who treat music ‘as a key thematic element and a marker of authorial style’ (2007: 149). Just as Gorbman suggests that melomania allows an auteur to express individuality through musical choices, I argue for the significance of character melomania in granting these fictional constructs individuality through music. As can be demonstrated through a series of case studies from the films of – among others – Sofia C...