Review of The Sound of Music (1965) by Brett C — 08 Jan 2015

The Sound of Music is simply just a love film that is sprinkled on with elements of music and family. This film is comprised of two halves which is separated by an intermission which is to me is a problem, not the intermission but the film having two pieces.

The first half of the film deals with Maria's sense of belonging. At the very start of the film, she is shown singing a song that made me smile and happy but at the same time giving me an idea on what I would be expecting out of this film. She is singing this song whilst running through the beautiful green hills then the sound of bells and her reacting to it directly lets the audience know that she is a nun or at least affiliated with the church. The first 20-25 minutes of the film is showing that she clearly does not belong in the abbey and her purpose in the world is to not be a nun, this theme is also explored when she first enters the Von Trapp home where organization and discipline fills the house's air. What drives this first half of the film is Maria's personality and presence clashing with the Captain's rules and way of life for the children. As the film progresses, the audience is shown that the children are starting to become more happy with Maria's presence as she introduces them the joyful things that is very much seen on children, playing and having fun. The first half is also a large build up for the disappointing second half of the film. Maria and the captain's love for each other is being toyed with during this first half so the second half can be the least bit relevant.

The second half is so disappointing. The first half executes brilliantly, with so much character development with the Von Trapp family and Maria. The interaction and the sense of fun is what keeps the first half so interesting, it made me want to nod along to the music of the film and laugh at the little jokes and corniness that it is presented. The first 10 minutes of the second half was tolerable as I was interested on the children's dependence on Maria but at the point of the film where Maria and the Captain announce their love for each other, then that is where I fell extremely bored. The music was much slower and dramatic (excluding the final concert, which was still performed at a sad tone but understandable). It was beautiful though when at the wedding, 'Maria' was being performed at a more cheery tone in comparison to the one being sung at the start which really symbolized her fulfillment in finding her purpose in life. This is where the film should have ended, the wedding but instead it decided to drag on with a forced storyline of them trying to escape the control of the Nazi's. It seemed like the director decided to have that in the film so at the end, their journey for a new life in Switzerland will join along with the new mother in the family (Maria) and the Captain and Maria's new marriage.

The music in this film has the potential to stay with you until it is passed on to your children. A good amount of songs in this film are fun that makes you wanna sing along and makes you want to reflect and reminisce your childhood, and some of the songs here are just beautiful without being fun like 'Edelweiss' or 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen'. There are a small amount of songs that are not as engaging but tolerable when heard enough times, 'I Have Confidence' and 'Something Good'. No song in this film is unnecessary, when they are played it usually is creating their conversation or thoughts in a musical direction which to me is creative and wonderful.

Julie Andrews was perfect as Maria, her portrayal of Maria felt motherly and warm but at the same time along with the songs she is singing, she brings a feeling of fun to the film.

Christopher Plummer on the other hand was the best out of the two adult figures as he brings to sides of himself on his portrayal as the Captain. At the start he is very strict and uniform whilst on the latter end of the film, he is much gentler and loving.

The children were just fantastic and interesting, they are the reason this film is engaging. Each child of the Von Trapp family has a different personality in comparison to each other's siblings. Although Liesl is the main child that contains the most lines, every single one of those children have their moments where their character shines and lets the audience care about them.

This film appeals to all ages, anybody can just jump in and immerse themselves. This film does bring a feeling of cheesiness at certain points but it can be forgiven with wonderful music and interesting characters. The second half is just too disappointing to be forgiven and to be given the least bit of gratitude as it drags on and takes away around 27 minutes of the audience's time. All in all this film has everything it needs to check the boxes that make an enjoyable film.