Topmusicanswers
What is character leitmotif? In short, it's a piece of music that plays whenever a character appears on screen in television or film. More significantly, it's a tune that is meant to bring to the audience's mind a character, almost subconsciously, even if the character doesn't appear on screen.
What is an example of a leitmotif?
Probably the best known leitmotif in film is John Williams' shark leitmotif in Jaws. The two notes F and F sharp, played on the low register of the cello signify something threatening and getting closer and closer. In the opening of Batman there is a five-note motif which is heard at the very beginning.
What is the function of leitmotifs?
Functions of Leitmotifs
One powerful function of leitmotifs is to indicate someone or something that is present in the scene but not visible in the frame. The most familiar example is the famous two-note leitmotif for the shark in Jaws, whose presence is often only implied by the music.
