When I go to see a film what I notice best is the music, especially the songs. By that I don’t mean the background score or sound effects. I am referring to the full songs which are part of the film. These may be what characters perform as part of the story or what plays at a particular point in the film. What I pay attention to them because they tend to stand out the most and be the most memorable parts of the movie.

I also notice that I forget some story details and character names all the time but still recall the songs which I think I do better. I go back to the soundtracks sometimes without even rewatching the film. I think what happens is that songs are repeating words and melodies which in turn stay with you for a longer time.

Some films use songs to present what a character is thinking or feeling. Also we see songs which mark a shift in the story. At the same time there are the songs which don’t have a direct role in the plot but still fit the scene. In each of these cases the song gives the audience something extra to pay attention to. It adds a layer to the movie which is beyond the characters’ actions or the setting. It is more in how the story is put forth.

At also times a film will play a new song which is unknown to me and from that point that is the music which I associate with the whole film. Also at time a film will use a song I am familiar with but the way it is used in the scene changes my perception of it. In either case the music becomes a part of how I remember the film.

I find that music does a great job of standing out in scenes. For instance in a montage or at a story’s turning point, we usually see a song play. At times I may not notice all the visuals but the music I will remember. That audio element’s connection to the scene tends to stay with me longer than other elements.

Some folks put more stock in the acting, the script, or the visual elements. As for me I notice those things also but what I am most drawn to is the music. I usually research the sound track after I leave the movie which is which is that I liked. Also I will put the music on while doing other things and it brings the movie scenes back to me. It doesn’t matter what type of film it is. If there are songs which really speak to me that will be the first thing I go to when I think of that movie.