Classic Films

Aristus

(66,467 posts) Thu Oct 10, 2013, 02:33 PM Oct 2013

"Piano in the street!' Anybody else noticed this in war films?

In both "Saving Private Ryan" and in HBO's "Band of Brothers" there are scenes in embattled French towns in which a piano turns up in the street, and the soldiers have to fight their way around it. In fact, 'piano in the street' is featured prominently in the opening credits of "BoB".

I assume it is intended to symbolize the harsh disruption of daily life that occurs to civilians in the middle of armed conflict.

Has anyone noticed this in any films other than the ones above?

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"Piano in the street!' Anybody else noticed this in war films? (Original Post) Aristus Oct 2013 OP

In "Saving Private Ryan" a sniper shot coincides with a discordant piano chord. longship Oct 2013 #1

longship

(40,416 posts)

1. In "Saving Private Ryan" a sniper shot coincides with a discordant piano chord.

Reply to Aristus (Original post)

Tue Oct 15, 2013, 03:39 AM

Oct 2013

So the metaphor is amplified. Not only is there a piano in the scene, but it's part of the action.

It's an astounding scene with a French family in a bombed out building wanting to give up their young daughter to the GIs. The piano there is just set dressing, but when the sniper strikes, one cannot ignore it. (If one is paying attention.)

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