SotA Anthology 2019-20 | Page 63

of your next paycheque ”, the ‘ success ’ theme begins . This coincides with a camera cut to Frank ’ s reflection in the mirror , to show his smug reaction to the tailor ’ s comment , as he realises that he will achieve this con more successfully than he had anticipated . The impeccable timing of the music starting coinciding with the dialogue and image of Frank ’ s reaction could suggest that the music is from the narrative perspective of Frank . As Winters phrases it , the music is functioning in a narratological sense as a ‘ narrating voice ’ ( 2010 ), perhaps crossing the border between narrative agencies , as a nonverbal mediation ( Gorbman , 1987 ). The music communicates and narrates to the viewer , from Frank ’ s perspective , his success in smoothly achieving his first con , as a vocalisation of his inner thoughts at this moment , incarnated through music . Thus , in agreement with Gorbman ( 1987 ), the music in itself may be nonrepresentational , but its collaboration in this scene with the images , camera cut and dialogue , brings meaning and a perspective to the music .
This example demonstrates one
Annabelle Lee
63 of many moments in the film where the character ’ s theme is underscoring the intended character , representing their inner thoughts . Gorman acknowledges that themes in a film can accumulate or diversify their meaning , playing a part in the film ’ s ‘ dynamic evolution ’ ( Gorbman , 1987 ). This appears to be evidenced in Catch Me , when the themes become removed from their previously assigned characters and become associated with the antagonist . An illustrative example of this is the scene where Carl visits Frank in prison . Carl is explaining to Frank that the FBI are pursuing a conartist who has been forging cheques . Frank asks to see one of the counterfeit cheques , Carl presses one against the glass pane that separates them , instantly Frank states , “ it ’ s a teller at the bank , Carl ” and at this moment the ‘ success ’ theme begins . The timing of the music is significant , it hints to the viewer that Frank has presented information that is likely to lead to success or achievement , given the premise Williams has established for this theme , that it represents success ( usually for Frank ).