MadSci Network: Astronomy
Query:

Re: Why do people associate some sounds with space?

Date: Sun Apr 3 15:52:21 2005
Posted By: Chris Peterson, Faculty, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 1112011414.As
Message:

Most people are uncomfortable watching a film without a score- we are multimedia creatures. It does seem that unusual music is often used for space scenes (but there are exceptions: consider how well The Blue Danube waltz worked in 2001: A Space Odyssey). In part, the use of strange music (we could even say "spacey" music) is probably a response to the fact that we are seeing strange places, and things outside our daily experience. In part, it may be conditioned by the use of the Theremin and other synthesizers in science fiction movies from the 1950s and 1960s. I must be conditioned myself, since the "weeoowweeoowweeoowweeoowweeooww" music you mention often does seem just right for space scenes.

I don't think providing background music contradicts the fact that there is no sound in space. After all, it is used in other places (we don't find it odd to hear a symphonic background to Rick and Ilsa's goodbye at the end of Casablanca, even though we doubt there was actually an orchestra on the runway). The music simply enhances the artistry. If you are bothered by sounds in space, a better question might be why starships, lasers, and other physical things are usually portrayed making sounds in science fiction movies- that is clearly wrong!


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