Film Music, Silence, and Moral Alignment: A Joker Case Study in Northern Cyprus

Film music plays a pivotal role in shaping audience emotions and perceptions, often functioning as a subtle yet powerful persuasive tool. This study examines the influence of music and silence on emotional and moral responses to the 2019 film Joker . Thirty Turkish Cypriot participants who had not previously seen the film were observed during viewing and interviewed afterward in semi-structured sessions. Using a qualitative design, the study combined observational cues with participant reflections to explore how musical elements and silence influenced empathy and moral judgment toward the protagonist, Arthur Fleck. Findings show that recurring cello motifs amplified emotional alignment with Arthur and, in some cases, contributed to viewers’ justification of his actions. In contrast, scenes without music disrupted this alignment, evoking discomfort and re-evaluation of earlier sympathy. These results underscore film music’s persuasive function in modulating emotional engagement and moral interpretation. The study offers insights into how music and silence can shape audience attitudes toward morally ambiguous characters, highlighting the emotional mechanisms at play in cinematic storytelling.