Music in Film: 'When They See Us'
On May 31, 2019 Ava DuVernay’s limited series ‘When They See Us’ premiered globally on Netflix. The limited series is based on the true story of the Central Park Five also referred to as the Central Park Jogger Case. On April 19, 1989 five boys ranging from ages 14-16 were accused of brutally raping and beating a 28-year-old white woman in Central Park. The five boys that were falsely accused and convicted of the crimes were Korey Wise, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana Jr., and Kevin Richardson. As a result of being falsely accused and coerced into confessions the boys were convicted and sentenced in 1990. Richardson, Santana, McCray, and Salaam spent five to seven years in juvenile detention centers and prison, while Wise spent 12 years in prison for being tried as an adult. The men were finally exonerated of all charges in 2002 after Matias Reyes admitted to the crimes.
Now Ava DuVernay and the entire cast did an impeccable job at telling the true story of what happened to these men when they were just young boys. The depiction of the literal stripping of the innocence of black and brown boys in this series was harrowing, gut wrenching, chilling, and heart breaking. Together, the casting, filming, editing, and music selection & scoring were perfect.
During my Undergraduate Studies, I took courses on music; particularly on the analysis of music in film. When carefully and thoughtfully selected, music can allow films to have a greater impact by enhancing the visuals that the audience is viewing. Ava DuVernay and Kris Bowers sealed the deal with the musical selection and composition of ‘When They See Us’. The scoring for this limited series included deep and heavy tones from string, brass, and percussion instruments, as well as songs from many people of color. The lyrics of the songs that were chosen are so powerful and pair exceptionally well to the circumstances portrayed in their respective scenes.
The music that was synthesized with the different scenes, allowed for the feelings and emotions of the characters to resonate with viewers. The music also catered to the humanization of the Central Park Five, which certainly was missing during their trial in 1989. Ultimately, it is difficult to digest the reality that black and brown bodies in America are viewed as animalistic, but through the storytelling and the addition of the music to this film it opened the door for empathy and outrage. Which was vital for revealing their truths and the life that they lived.
'When They See Us’ is a limited series that should be watched by everyone although it may be difficult, we must give Korey Wise, AntronMcCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana Jr., and Kevin Richardson the respect and honor they deserve. We must continue to share and educate our selves on their story and the protection of black and brown bodies.
Please make sure you watch ‘When They See Us’ if you haven’t already and also check out some of the music that was incorporated into this film down below.
“I Got It Made” - Special Ed
“Microphone Fiend” - Eric B & Rakim
“Fight The Power” - Public Enemy
“Falling Leaves” - Clare McGuire
“Love & Hate” - Michael Kuwanaka
“Happiness” - Dead Prez
“Hope” - Pete Josef
“Happy Feelin’s” - Maze
“Feel Alive” - The Midnight Hour, Adrian Younge, & Ali Shaheed Muhammad
“Umi Says” - Mos Def
“Watching You” - Slave
“Cupid” - 112
“U Don’t Know” - JAY-Z
“Who We Be” - DMX
“The Middle” - Son Little
“Moon River” - Frank Ocean
“Picture Me Rollin’” - Nipsey Hussle