More than a Theme Song
- Thelma Annan
- Mar 27, 2016
- 3 min read
We all remember an iconic theme song. A catchy jingle or a repetitive melody can make a show forever memorable. In the past, the theme song for a TV show was just as popular as the show itself. Theme songs were minutes long- providing not only the tone of the show, but revealing character identities and the course of the season and/or the entire series. For example: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. From the theme song alone, we knew the context and overall plot of the show. Now, for American prime time shows at least, theme songs are almost completely eliminated (think of Grey's Anatomy orScandal). The title of the show is abruptly shown with maybe a quick image of the main character(s), and it dives right in. Even with theme songs, American audiences barely take notice of them anymore- we're either on our phones or better yet, away from our screens (TV or laptop) until we hear the song end or a familiar character's voice. I even found myself doing that with Gran Hotel.
Initially with the first episode, I watched the introduction without truly being an active viewer. I took note of the black and white images adding historic value to the series, and passed it off as just that. It wasn't until the 5th episode when I wasn't away from my laptop or didn't fast forward that I realized the objects and people in the photos actually moved, as if giving life to the past.
The minute long music accompanied the movements in a creative way- the kitchen lights turned on with the tempo of the music, slight steam came out of the kitchen pots and poured coffee cups, people's shadows moved against the hotel walls, and the clouds spread across the sky. It became like a dance. The movement changes were so subtle, it became extremely easy to miss, especially because of its black and white aesthetic. I found myself actively looking for movement within each new image/scene change as if it were a game.
It was almost a secret welcome into the lives of the Gran Hotel occupants- both staff and guests. It did not rely solely on the division of class, but gave insight into their lives and the opportunity to join in that historic period with the moving images. It made me feel like a part of the show without it seeming too forced or obvious. It was very beautiful and I appreciated the additional creative effort the production placed behind this decision. They could have easily placed still images to get the message across as a period series. It made me excited as a viewer, making me wonder, if that much effort was given for a theme song, what other creative surprises/messages are hidden within each episode and the whole show in general?
It then made me realize- how many American shows do I watch that: 1) still have lengthy theme songs 2) go beyond the generic character introduction and 3) that I actually watch? I found that 90% of the American produced shows I watch, do not have lengthy theme songs, or any at all. The one show that did have a theme song (The Walking Dead), I either walk away to do something else or am on my phone.
Are foreign/European shows re-introducing the power and creativity of theme songs back to American audiences? Are we ready or even willing to watch them again? From analyzing the theme song from Gran Hotel, I feel like they are proving that a show's creativity begins from the absolute beginning, which includes show/cast introductions.
However in my opinion, I feel like I am so used to instant gratification (in all aspects), that I grow impatient with theme songs, because they are repetitive and I just want to get to the storyline. I'm not sure if that same excitement I found this time around for the theme song will fade away for future episodes. Even though I have a few episodes of season 1 to go, I'm excited to see what, if any, changes the series makes to their theme for the following seasons. (Especially with the international acclaim it received.)Whether to accommodate to the westernized style and complete eliminate the theme song, simply shorten it or if they stay true to their initial approach.