Paraphrasing Hainge’s Thesis (I think): The banjo picking and yodeling played in Raising Arizona and country bluegrass in O Brother Where are thou? seem to be used to stereotype the characters in them.
Do I agree? I do because if I were to listen to them without watching the movie I’d probably be picturing a movie with men in overalls somewhere in the south on a farm. Don’t get me wrong I love music and I think Muzak in movies make a movie and a feeling you get from a movie. Can you picture songs like “In the Club” by 50 cent or “My heart will go On” by Celine Dion in Raising Arizona or O Brother…? I can’t at all, so I think the Muzak is picked properly for movies and I believe the muzak picked for these fits well. Although we shouldn’t stereotype the common human being, we do. Plus the Muzak in these movies make them funny and bring a comedic sense that these characters play. Take O Brother…? the bluegrass and folk and country fit the time and era, the characters and place. For me I get a kick and a laugh out of ”stereotyping”…it’s funny as comedy although it might not be funny as serious…but I love that Muzak in movies fit characters and scenes and feeling. It’s great…where would a movie be if it had no Muzak? On top of that I love country bluegrass folk and gospel…I think it’s great music in general…I believe every song has it’s meaning and tells a story and makes a person…
I think you bring up a good point how the muzak plays a big role in picturing the charaters on or off the screen. I agree that the soundtrack in O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU you can picture the type of characters without ever even seeing them. That southern accent dirty style just overall hillbilly attitude. Once they escape they take you ona ride of events.
I like that point you make about visualizing the characters. We hear that music and it helps us imagine them and expect things about them; stereotype is a good word for it. You also point out that it’s funny as comedy but not funny when the scenes are serious, and I think that raises an interesting point. When the scene is serious, does the musical stereotype detract from your enjoyment of the film or understanding of the character? I’m thinking about Tommy, specifically.