The difference between a gripping action film that hooks the audience from the first frame to the last, and one that fails to hold their attention, is quite fine. A film may have the tightest choreography and most stunning visuals known to man, but one of the most pivotal elements in creating tension, driving pacing and conveying emotion is the music score behind it.
Action films often see-saw through a wave of conflicting emotions and moods in the space of a few minutes or even seconds. Car chases and battle scenes are often interspersed with emotional hooks, tranquil preludes, and even jumpscares. All of these are profoundly affected by music, which can turn your content from watchable to unforgettable.
At Filmstro, our royalty-free music libraries are full of cues and albums that complement almost any action music scene, whatever you’re currently working on. However, if you need help aligning the right music with those difficult scene(s), then look no further than this guide.
Rhythm and Tempo
Rhythm is central to any action score, with fast tempos often creating excitement and urgency, and slower tempos suggesting a sequence of calm and serenity. Variation is important; a relentless barrage of rapid drums and percussion can, if extensively prolonged, become monotonous. This is why it’s important that composers alternate between intense fast-paced scenes with sufficient breathing space.
Consider how your music can mirror and complement what’s occurring on-screen. Hand-to-hand combat scenes may benefit from syncopated rhythms that echo unpredictability, while vehicle chase scenes would be suited with accompanying steady, propulsive beats that match the relentless forward momentum. Time signature changes, rhythmic variations or pulsating sub-drops can heighten drama and immerse the viewer even further, maintaining that ‘edge-of-your-seat’ tension.
Tension Building and Release
Effective action scoring also relies on a firm understanding of tension architecture. A score should resemble a series of continuous waves, where intensity is built through the motions of rise (accelerated tempos, layered instrumentation, slower speeds, etc.) to release (powerful hits, dramatic pauses, sudden dynamic shifts, an explosion of sounds, and more).
This is emphasised with powerful cinematography which should always sway in line with the music. For instance, during scenes where dynamic aerial photography (not the easiest thing to execute) captures the size and scale of a sequence, bolster this with sweeping orchestral passages to create a sense of grandeur. Similarly, ground-level chase scenes with close-up photography often benefit from tighter, more ‘claustrophobic’ sound design that emphasises immediacy and danger.
At various points throughout an action film, quiet is golden. When the heart-racing action screeches to an immediate halt to comparatively silent moments before a major action beat creates some much-needed anticipation and excitement. The subsequent musical impact is made all the more purposeful when it arrives.
Melody and Motifs
Action sequences rely heavily on rhythmic intensity, but the most memorable scores are ones with catchy melodies and hooks. Developing bespoke leitmotifs for characters, locations, or even specific styles of action that create continuity and emotional depth.
These needn’t be complex. Often, the most effective themes are often simple enough to play without much in the way of technical prowess, with some even almost resembling a lullaby. These can then be converted into a more action-heavy, orchestral or instrumental musical passage.
Put it this way, if a familiar motif comes back later in the film, viewers will recognise and remember it, enhancing the narrative effect.
Thoughtful Sound Design Integration
Contemporary action scores often blur the line between music and sound design. Incorporating elements like risers, whooshes, snare bombs, sub-drops, and other processed industrial sounds adds depth and modernity to your sonic palette. These hybrid textures work particularly well in science fiction and futuristic settings, but can enhance any action sequence when deployed thoughtfully.
When approaching action scoring for your own projects, study the footage carefully. Pinpoint key moments that would be boosted by musical emphasis, and consider the emotional journey of your audience. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, melodic ideas and instrumental combinations until you find the right mixture for your narrative.
Be prepared to revise and adapt numerous times, based on how your music and visuals interact. Sometimes your most carefully crafted musical moment may need to step aside to allow dialogue or sound effects to take precedence.
It’s not about following a rigid, unmovable formula to make a great action score. It all boils down to understanding fundamental principles and new innovative ways to apply them. Pay close attention to these important musical characteristics and synchronicity with your film scenes and you’ll be on your way to creating a score that truly amplifies every thrilling scene.
Filmstro music is made with a quintessentially human, artistic approach. Every track in our library is created with real emotion, not just an algorithm. Explore our app today and see what you can create!
