Emilia Clarke’s career has been nothing short of a transformative journey. Known to millions for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones, Clarke has captivated audiences with her range and ability to bring complex characters to life. Yet, beyond the confines of Westeros, Clarke’s diverse roles in film and television have allowed her to explore new territories, from rom-coms like Last Christmas to the intense thriller genre in films such as Above Suspicion.
As actors evolve and move into different genres, the importance of sound in film becomes ever more pronounced. While Above Suspicion may seem like a departure from Clarke’s earlier works, it shares an essential cinematic quality with her past roles—the ability to communicate raw emotions through atmosphere and sound. Here, music and sound design are not mere complements but vital forces that shape the tone of the story, elevate the emotional resonance, and guide the audience’s experience of the characters.
In thriller films, sound plays a pivotal role in heightening the tension, creating suspense, and underscoring the psychological depth of the narrative. A film’s soundtrack often acts as an unseen character—one whose presence might be subtle but whose influence is deeply felt. In films like Above Suspicion, the soundtrack becomes a companion to the characters, particularly Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Susan Smith, a woman caught in a web of deception and moral complexity.
1. The Role of Soundtrack in Thriller Films
The thriller genre is built on tension, anticipation, and the gradual unraveling of hidden truths. Here, the music is not just a background feature, but a tool that manipulates emotions, pushing viewers to the edge of their seats.
A well-crafted soundtrack in a thriller can escalate anxiety or provide moments of calm before the storm. Whether it’s the low hum of a sinister melody, the sharp string stabs that punctuate moments of tension, or the silence that amplifies the atmosphere, the music plays a significant role in guiding the audience’s emotional journey.
For example, in classic psychological thrillers like Psycho or Se7en, the music works to build a palpable sense of dread. In modern thrillers, including Above Suspicion, sound continues to serve as an emotional navigator. It often guides the audience’s understanding of the internal states of the characters, particularly those caught in moral or psychological turmoil. In such films, music transforms from a mere accompaniment to a force that shapes the very heart of the narrative.
Think of it as an almost invisible character, always present yet never overtly drawing attention to itself. Its role is subtle—creating an undercurrent of suspense, foreshadowing events, and elevating the stakes. It interacts with the visuals, reinforcing the emotions the director wants to convey. In thriller films, music intensifies the experience, making the moments of shock and awe feel more dramatic and, at times, hauntingly unforgettable.
2. Emilia Clarke’s Above Suspicion and Its Unique Sound Design
In Above Suspicion, Emilia Clarke steps into the role of Susan Smith, a young woman living in a small Appalachian town, embroiled in a dark and dangerous affair with an FBI agent, played by Jack Huston. It is a role that demands emotional depth and complexity, with Clarke navigating the fine line between vulnerability and strength. While her performance is pivotal to the film’s success, it is the soundtrack that complements her portrayal, enhancing the narrative and creating an emotional landscape that mirrors the twists and turns of the plot.
The film’s music is especially noteworthy in its ability to underscore the psychological tension of the story. The soundtrack becomes a reflection of Susan’s inner turmoil, amplifying the anxiety and fear that dominate her world. The choice of music in pivotal moments highlights Clarke’s character’s emotional states, turning the soundtrack into a storyteller of its own.
For instance, in moments of heightened tension—when Susan is caught in a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation—the music subtly shifts, becoming more dissonant or minimalist, drawing the audience’s attention to the subtle power struggle between the characters. Conversely, in quieter, more intimate scenes, the music swells with melancholy or subtle hope, providing insight into Susan’s yearning for a better life, even as she finds herself trapped in increasingly dangerous circumstances.
One of the most effective uses of the soundtrack is during moments when Susan grapples with her decisions. As she becomes more enmeshed in a dangerous affair, the music mirrors her shifting sense of agency, gradually moving from more innocent, melodic themes to more discordant, foreboding tones. This gradual shift in the soundtrack echoes the transformation of Clarke’s character, from a vulnerable woman seeking escape to someone caught in a web of perilous choices.
3. Collaboration Between Director, Composer, and Sound Designer
Creating a memorable soundtrack doesn’t happen in isolation. It is the result of an intricate collaboration between the director, composer, and sound designer. The trio works together to align the music with the film’s narrative, ensuring that every note serves the story’s emotional tone.
In Above Suspicion, this collaboration is especially important in translating the complex emotions of Emilia Clarke’s character onto the screen. Director Phillip Noyce, known for his work on Clear and Present Danger and Salt, is a master of creating taut, suspenseful narratives. His vision for Above Suspicion demands a soundtrack that complements the suspenseful, emotionally charged drama unfolding on-screen.
The composer’s role, in this case, is to find music that enhances the film’s dark and moody atmosphere while still allowing space for the quiet moments of character reflection. Sound designer Kelly Port, with his experience on films like Avatar and The Dark Knight, ensures that the sounds surrounding the characters are carefully crafted to match the tone of the story. The music and sound design are not merely background elements but active contributors to the audience’s emotional journey.
The collaboration between these elements ensures that the audience is not just watching a story unfold, but living it. The decision to emphasize certain tones, whether in the form of minimalist piano melodies or eerie ambient sounds, adds to the authenticity of the experience. Music in Above Suspicion serves to guide viewers through the character’s emotional landscapes, helping them understand not just the plot, but the inner workings of the character’s mind.
4. How Music Shapes Characterization
One of the most fascinating aspects of Above Suspicion is how the soundtrack influences the portrayal of Emilia Clarke’s character, Susan Smith. As the story progresses, the music shapes how we understand her motivations, fears, and desires.
For much of the film, Susan is presented as a vulnerable woman seeking love and attention, caught between the manipulations of the men in her life. In these moments, the music reflects her fragility—soft, melodic motifs that highlight her internal longing for something more. Yet as she becomes increasingly enmeshed in dangerous territory, the music shifts to match her transformation. The soundtrack evolves, mirroring her growing awareness of the dangers surrounding her and the shifting power dynamics in her relationships.
In a particularly powerful scene, where Susan confronts her fear and makes a decision that alters the course of her life, the music crescendos with intensity, amplifying the tension and pushing the viewer to feel the weight of her choice. In these moments, the music is not just accompanying the action; it is a force that amplifies Emilia Clarke’s emotional performance, heightening the impact of her character’s pivotal decisions.
The music in Above Suspicion serves as a conduit for understanding Susan’s character, turning the soundtrack into a crucial layer of storytelling. It helps us move beyond Clarke’s performance and understand what her character is feeling, even in the most complex and ambiguous moments.
5. The Lasting Impact of Music on Film Memories
Film is an art form that stays with viewers long after the credits roll. Powerful soundtracks often contribute to this lingering effect, embedding themselves in our memories and shaping the way we remember a film. In the case of Above Suspicion, the soundtrack is not just a feature of the film—it is a defining element that lingers with viewers, making the experience of watching the film unforgettable.
Consider how certain moments in the film are amplified by the music: the slow build of tension before a pivotal confrontation, the subtle shift in tone during key moments of emotional revelation. These are the moments that are etched in the audience’s memory, not just because of the performances, but because of how the music heightens the emotional stakes.
Music plays an essential role in making a film memorable. When it aligns perfectly with the narrative and characters, it becomes more than just sound—it becomes a powerful force that enriches the film, deepens the emotional connection, and helps the audience retain the story long after they leave the theater.
Conclusion
Emilia Clarke’s ability to navigate complex characters—like Susan Smith in Above Suspicion—is bolstered by the thoughtful collaboration of sound designers and composers who craft a soundtrack that serves as both an emotional guide and a storytelling device. Through their combined efforts, the soundtrack and sound design elevate the overall cinematic experience, enhancing not just the performance of the actor but the entire narrative structure.
In thrillers, where tension and suspense are paramount, music plays a critical role in guiding the audience’s emotional journey. In Above Suspicion, this collaboration between the actor, director, composer, and sound designer allows the music to shape the film’s tone and guide the audience through the psychological complexity of the characters. The lasting impact of a film is often a result of how it connects with the audience emotionally—and through its careful and evocative soundtrack, Above Suspicion ensures that its story stays with us long after the credits roll.
