Element 2 - Music

Martin Scorsese uses music to good effect. He uses the same type of music for the same people throughout the movies, e.g. when the Irish mob in The Departed are committing a crime, Scorsese uses the same Irish music every time they are committing a crime.

He also uses traditional music techniques in his films. He uses dark, fast rock music music when the massive gang fight happens in Gangs of New York. He uses different music speeds, sometimes the music is very fast paced and gets louder, this provides extra tension to set the scene.

Scorsese uses diegetic music throughout the movies. For example in Gangs of New York, when the mobsters are in the bar the music is coming from people playing instruments on the stage. He uses diegetic music a lot especially during celebrations in the movie.

From the first scene of Gangs of New York, you can tell that it is set many years ago because of the type of music that is playing. He used old classical jazz in the first scene.

At times Scorsese stops the music instantly. For example when there is a rapid cut to another scene, or when somebody is shot or killed. Scorsese uses this technique in The Departed when the 'rat' is shot execution style (in the head). The music stops as soon as the gun is fired. All we hear is the body hitting the floor. The killer stands still, starring at the dead body in absolute silence. Scorsese music to good effect in his films.


This video shows how Scorsese uses music, in this scene the music starts of slow and almost seems calm, but increases pace and volume as the battle escalates. The music is fast paced rock music.




When the gang leader stabs the rival gang leader, the music slows down. When the body hits the ground, the music stops. He uses music to indicate that someone has died. When the person dies the music stops.