Music for Superheroes

From the clarion cry of Superman's "truth, justice, and the American way!" to The Avengers' iconic "Assemble!" music has enhanced superhero films for three-quarters of a century. As the language of emotions, it gives voice to characters' unspoken feelings and supports the dramatic storyline. Some film scores feature bold themes that convey a character's heroic integrity; other musical treatments emphasize the character's brooding nature; still others reflect the dangerous machinations of villains and anti-heroes. These moments touch sentiment and jeopardy in an audience's attachment to story, character, and excitement.

This book examines film and television superhero music from the early serialized cliffhangers of the 1940s to today's vast heroic media franchises, demonstrating how cinematic music lends itself to understanding the bond between audience and celluloid. Through many detailed interviews with film composers, the treatment of music for superhero films is explored in detail.