Music's Ability to Persuade

     When examining the use of music throughout the documentary Making a Murderer the viewer/listener may note the choice of music styles used when presenting each side of the case. The use of music is used as a subtle persuasion of the audience into feeling different emotions during different parts of the documentary.    
     The opening sequence of each episode, which depicts photos of Avery's childhood and back story, has a tune that is lighthearted in nature. The music has a sense of fluidity and is pleasing to the ear. Any scene depicting avery and his family has a melancholy tune, inducing a the feeling of sadness for Avery and his family for what they endured by the viewer.
     When scenes showing lawyers and politicians are talking about Avery's wrongful imprisonment the music is slow and staccato creating a sense of unease and suspense. While presenting the actions of the employees of the sheriff department the music has a harshness to it. The music repeatedly transitions from soft to loud. This is not pleasing to the ear, mirroring the unpleasantness of the actions of law enforcement.
     To find out more about how music impacts one's brain click here.