Boyz N The Hood
MOVING BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES: HOW THE USE OF MUSIC DEVELOPS JOHN SINGLETON'S
BOYZ N THE HOOD John Singleton's movie Boyz N The Hood is the story of three
young men who are forced to deal with the reality of life in South Central, Los
Angeles. Singleton uses this setting to illustrate the obstacles facing these
young black men who unavoidably encounter violence all around them. Singleton
refrains from portraying his characters as inner-city misfits but instead he
characterizes them as average American teenagers who are caught in a situation
in which they have no control. Doughboy is an average American teenager but his
behavior is not that of an average teenager. It is a result of the influence
from the society he has experienced. The music used throughout the movie allows
the film to move beyond the boundaries of just telling a story. Through the use
of music in the film Singleton is able to accentuate significant situations and
display the contrast between characters. The use of music in Boyz N The Hood
allows Singleton to thematically advance the film. Singleton magnifies
significant situations through the use of music. With each song, the choice of
instruments and lyrics creates an emotional response by the viewer which gives
the scene a new dimension. The main instrument in the movie is the wailing
saxophone. When the saxophone is played it allows for the intensity of the scene
to build to its climax. The saxophone is utilized in the scenes in which a
person breaks into Furious's house and when Ricky is shot. The saxophone is
always present when violence is going to take place. The other type of
instrumental music that is used is a soft, slow sound which creates a feeling of
relaxation and tenderness. This type of music is used when Tre is receiving a
lesson from one of his parents.
The soft music played during these moments
illustrates his parent's loving nature and the concern they both have about his
future. By utilizing this symbolic background music, Singleton expresses to the
audience that the parent's feelings are authentic. Many scenes are emphasized
through the lyrics of the music. When Tre is in the car with his father the
lyrics Things are gonna get easier can be heard in the background. These lyrics
convey the message that things will get easier for Tre now that he's living with
his father and that his father has the opportunity to teach Tre how to become a
man, which is what Tre's mother anticipated. Singleton's selective use of music
enables him to empathize certain situations and add a new dimension to them. The
differences between characters is established through the diverse styles of
music. The differences between each character is regarding age, lifestyle, and
future aspirations. The music connected with Tre and his friends when they are
young is soft instrumental music and soul music. Soft instrumental music and
soul music displays the innocence of childhood and the potential for a child to
be successful in life. Rap music is introduced when Tre and his friends mature
seven years. The rap music is a sharp contrast to the music of their childhood.
The lyrics of the rap music deal with drugs and violence. This is associated
with the harsh reality of living in South Central, Los Angeles. The choice of
lifestyle for the characters in Boyz N The Hood divides the characters into two
distinct groups: upper and lower class. An example of this class distinction is
demonstrated when Furious is on the phone with Tre's mother.
