Why the Music in Movies Is Often Louder Than the Dialogue

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you can barely hear the words of a movie, only for the music to drown them out? This problem is more common than you might think, and it often stems from the ways filmmakers and sound editors craft their audio. Let's dive into why this happens and what you can do to improve your movie-watching experience.

The Standard Practice and Its Impact

Most movies are crafted with a specific audio balance in mind, often prioritizing the music over the dialogue. This is to create a more engaging and atmospheric viewing experience. In fact, a well-known technical adjustment can help alleviate this issue. For example, on a Samsung TV, you can easily address this by navigating to the Settings section and selecting Sound. Within the sound settings, you have three basic options: Standard, Optimized, and Amplify. Most TVs default to Standard, but Amplify mode can help make dialogue more audible without completely eliminating background music.

To conduct this adjustment, follow these steps:

Turn on your TV. Use your remote to press the Settings button. Select Sound from the options. Choose Amplify and apply the settings.

After applying these settings, you might still hear the background music, but it will be less intrusive. This method can significantly enhance your understanding of the dialogue without sacrificing the immersive experience that the filmmakers intended.

The Role of Sound Editors and Directors

So, why do filmmakers often prioritize music over dialogue? It's a deliberate choice made by the sound editor and director. These professionals understand that music can set the mood, enhance emotions, and create tension that dialogue alone cannot. However, if the music is drowning out the dialogue, there is an issue that needs to be addressed. The responsibility lies with the sound editor, as they are the ones responsible for the final mix. Typically, a movie should not be released until the soundtrack is reedited to ensure a balanced audio experience.

Unfortunately, this imbalance happens only rarely. However, it's a common complaint among movie enthusiasts, and some notable examples include films such as Trainspotting. In this film, the dialogue can sometimes be difficult to hear over the music, and the best solution is to turn up the volume on the center channel if you have one. If you do not, consider investing in a better sound system with at least three front channels, and possibly a center channel if needed.

It's also important to have a return privilege when purchasing a new sound system to ensure it meets all your needs and preferences. If you're experiencing harsh or distorted music, it might be due to the equipment rather than the movie itself. A sound engineer will usually plan the mix so that the dialogue doesn't have to compete with the loudest music and effects. However, if a film is planned to have loud music, it might be a traditional choice for creating a dramatic effect.

The Significance of Music in Film

Population specialists in film argue that loud music has been a traditional and valued component of many films, both new and old. Here are some famous examples where music plays a crucial role:

The Lord of the Rings Game of Thrones Star Wars and Star Trek franchises Virtually all musicals Old classics like Ben-Hur 1959, which featured magnetic sound, and Around the World in 80 Days 1956, also in magnetic sound Citizen Kane

These films cannot be what they are without the musical elements that have been traditionally valued. Without them, these epic stories and moments would lose some of their depth and emotional impact.

So, the next time you find yourself struggling to hear the dialogue in a movie, remember that this is a deliberate choice made by the filmmakers to enhance the overall audio experience. By making some adjustments to your home theater settings, you can create a more balanced and enjoyable viewing experience. Happy watching!