Why Music Makes the Villain
General Reviews
If there's two things Darth Vader and the rogue shark from Jaws have in common, it's that they're experts at removing limbs and they have the most adrenaline-pumping musical themes in all of cinema. Both The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) and Jaw's classic First Victim act as almost pavlovian conditioning to the audience on their first needle drop, artfully constructed to strike fear into the heart of the viewer upon each subsequent recurrence in the film. John Williams, the genius you are.
Since then, it has become customary for film's greatest villains to possess a theme that matches their wickedness, terror, or deep-running trauma to serve as both a warning to the audience and marker of their power in the narrative. Here's a few (in no particular order) that I think deserve a shoutout, and a breakdown of why I think the theme makes the character.
"The Kraken" - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
While the Kraken is not the main antagonist and rather an extension of Davy Jones himself in the film, I still consider this track utterly iconic as a villain theme. I urge all who doubt me to either watch the scenes again or at least listen to the last minute of the track itself. The change in tempo? Ominous organ? Striking violins? Chills. Slightly reminiscent of Williams' Jaws theme, The Kraken still brings all the slow-building torment of a prowling sea monster as it feeds on helpless humans, creating tension for the audience. Accompanied by the visuals of roiling water and a handsomely panicked Will Turner, the soundtrack pairs well with the beasts' ancient power and unyielding hunger for it's prey. Round of applause for Hans Zimmer once again.
Kai - “Kai's Theme” - Kung Fu Panda 3
It is widely agreed among not only Dreamworks fans but animation fans in general that Kai is one of the greater villains within the animated sphere. Driven by hunger for revenge, Kai breaks free of the Spirit Realm and sets his sights on the chi (life force) of living kung fu masters. His arrival theme is utterly striking. While the song isn't necessarily suspenseful or downright spine-tingling, the initial flighty notes draw you in close before the bass drop punches you right in the eardrums (in time with Kai's arrival in the mortal realm). I swear to you, this theme is what made me watch the film itself. Dare I even bother citing the magnificent composer behind this iconic piece? You could probably guess based on that description alone. The man needs no introduction. Just keep clapping.
"The Prowler" - Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
If I ever heard this in real life I think I would have a heart attack. Imagine getting chased by a dude in a mask with claws for hands while this theme rages in the background. The song itself feels like a threat. My palms are sweating all over the keyboard just thinking about it. Don't even get me started on the villain name - this theme/character title combo is really scratching my synesthesia itch. I digress. The uneven, droopy minor chords that kick off the track have a muffled nails-on-a-chalkboard kind of tune, one that really sits heavy in the pit of your stomach. It's the kind of theme to make you want to write your own villain. You can feel the suffering through the notes thanks to Daniel Pemberton's genius.
Darth Vader - “The Imperial March” - Star Wars
We have a winner. The Imperial March has been striking fear into the hearts of humankind for the past 48 years, and I doubt any other track will have such a long-lasting legacy. How do you come up with a theme for an all-powerful, planet-destroying, galaxy-stretching force of evil? Only John Williams had the answer, and he nailed it. Perhaps a more impressive feat, even, than completing the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. Classically petrifying though somehow befitting the sci-fi backdrop of the films, the March demands respect from all those who listen. Vader's foreboding presence is amplified by the intense swell of horns and violins. The track informs the listener of his intentions, rank, and quiet rage. It screams you cannot escape and evil is coming.
The Joker - “Bathroom Dance” - Joker
Haunting. Disturbing. Sad. This scene and theme work together to mark the birth of a villain. When we think about villain themes, we think igniting of fear, heart leaping out of chests, icy dread, white-knuckled grips on arm rests, hiding our faces in our hands. Much unlike the other themes I have placed in this article, Bathroom Dance is a turning point. It is a transformation. Arthur Fleck, through almost ritualistic dance, accepts his persona as The Joker. It's almost as if we are invited into his mind, to hear the music, feel the peace that comes over him in the moment. While eerie and uncomfortable, the track evokes strong emotions of empathy too. Most villain themes are a representation of the character's status and power at their peak, but Bathroom Dance is a raw painting of a man tipping over the edge.
Bruce (The Shark) - “Main Title and First Victim” - Jaws
Duh.
As we know, villains are created many different ways. Along with their nuanced powers, influences, and motivations, so too must they have epic themes to precede their reputations and accompany their ultimate downfalls. Without clashing drums, eerie clarinets, or belting trumpets, a villain would simply be a guy in a helmet and a cape, a yak, a clown, even a fish. (Okay, they're more than that). But what keeps their evil alive in both our memories and nightmares, are the songs that tell their stories.
xxx
Please comment which villains/themes you like best since I'm sure I missed a bunch! Thanks for reading!
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