While film drummers might not get the limelight in scores, their contribution to the feeling of a movie cannot be overemphasized. For those who visit Drummerworld, where drumming is not just a leisure activity, but a zeal, the impact of the percussive elements in scores of films is an interesting issue.
Let us take the example of ‘Whiplash’ in which drumming is the central theme as well as the motivation of the movie. Justin Hurwitz’s loud drum-based music effectively supports the protagonist’s struggle in the film related to jazz drumming. This film is quite peculiar in revealing the potential of the drummer to go beyond the role of the background musician and become a key protagonist.
Antonio Sanchez’s drumming in Birdman as an improvised jazz drummer is yet another example. In this film, the score does not simply play in the background as a mere enhancement of the action; it is an extension of the protagonist’s mental state and the movie’s motifs; the drumming is as much a character as the actors. This is particularly important in sustaining the high tension and the oppressive feeling that is characteristic for the film.
Another example of a powerful use of a giant drum section is the “Inception” film by Hans Zimmer, which also proves that the role of drummers is to emphasize and develop the motifs of a movie. Besides contributing to the suspense, Zimmer’s drumming enhances the storytelling and time and space manipulations, which are at the core of the film’s plot.
These examples serve to highlight the importance of the drummer in scoring films. The ability of rhythm in expressing emotions and the details of narrative makes the movies even more interesting. From the explosive power of the solo drums in “Whiplash” to the complex interplay of the orchestral drums in “Inception”, the drummer’s part is as important as any other character.
To the well-read and musically-minded members of Drummerworld, these performances deepen their appreciation of cinema and music. This is perhaps one of the most compelling proofs of the versatility and the influence of drummers that is not necessarily confined to the concert hall or recording booth. However, the drummers are not just time-keepers in film scores; they are the life-blood of the story; they make the music beat and get the audience involved in the rhythm of the film.