Visualisasi emosi melalui ilustrasi musik dalam film Sign

Abstract

This study examines the pivotal role of musical illustration in conveying narrative and emotion in Patrick Hughes' dialogue-sparse short film,  Sign  (2009). The film’s minimal use of dialogue positions its soundtrack not merely as accompaniment but as the primary vehicle for emotional expression and character development. The purpose of this research is to analyze how specific musical elements—including melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics, and tonality—are employed to visualize the protagonist's internal states and guide the audience's emotional perception. Using a qualitative descriptive method, this paper conducts a close textual analysis of key sequences in the film, correlating shifts in the musical score with the protagonist's evolving emotional journey. The analysis demonstrates that music with a minor key, slow tempo, and soft dynamics effectively articulates feelings of loneliness and alienation in the protagonist's mundane life. Conversely, the transition to major keys, faster tempos, and harmonious arrangements sonically embodies his subsequent joy and hope upon finding a connection. The findings confirm that musical illustration in  Sign  functions as a non-verbal narrative language, creating a synergistic relationship between the visual and auditory elements. This synergy not only enhances the cinematic experience but also provides the film with its core narrative and emotional strength, proving the efficacy of music as a primary storytelling tool in cinema.