A
Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, was first adapted for film in
1951. In the film, a production element that stood out to me was the
sound/music. In the clip of scene one, the music as well as sound play a big
part in creating the atmosphere. For example, in the beginning of the clip jazz
music is played as Blanche walks through the streets of New Orleans. This
music, the sounds of men shouting, glass breaking, and car horns beeping all allow
the audience to see the rough, chaotic and busy atmosphere of New Orleans. The
rough and unsophisticated setting of New Orleans is also described in the text.
As the clip continues, it is noticed that the music drastically changes.
Throughout the clip the music changes
with the mood of the character and with the message that is supposed to be
communicated to the audience. The jovial jazz music switches to dark and
mysterious music when Blanche begins to tell Stella about the loss of Belle
Reve. Before Blanche even begins to speak, the sinister music communicates to
the audience that something is about to be revealed. It also creates a mystifying
atmosphere. The mysterious sounds of the trumpet become louder as Blanche informs
Stella of more details about the loss. Blanche then runs outside and the booming
sounds of a train are heard. This allows for dramatic effect. Towards the end
of the scene, Blanche mentions to Stanley that she was once married. As she
says this, the polka tune, the “Varsouviana” is heard. It allows the audience
to see that Blanche is remembering something from her past. This is true to the
text, as it is seen that every time Blanche mentions her dead husband, she
hears this music. The music haunts her as it was played the night her husband
killed himself. The sound of a gunshot is then heard and the music stops. This
music and gunshot also create a mystifying atmosphere.
I agree with your point about the music and sounds creating the atmosphere of the scene. I think that the music played during the scene where Stanley and Blanche meet for the first time really sets the mood. The soft piano music playing in the background while they speak to one another depicts a very mellow tone. I could feel the sexual tension between the two as they speak and the music plays quietly in the background. This scene stood out the most to me because this was the first time the two of them ever met and they clearly desire one another, as you can tell by their body language and the way they speak to each other. I would not have noticed this if it weren't for the music. For example, when Blanche was speaking to Stanley saying in a soft voice, “I haven’t washed or even powdered and here… you are,” Stanley takes off his shirt and when Blanche looks up at him, she becomes speechless and looks at the floor. At that moment, the music stopped for a second as Blanche stared at Stanley and then it began again while their conversation continued. It helps us, as viewers, realize the feelings. After all, music is what feelings sound like.
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