Final answer:
Despairing and sad music commonly has a slow tempo, which contributes to conveying a somber mood and can deeply influence the emotions elicited by a scene in a film.
Step-by-step explanation:
Music that is despairing and sad usually has a slow tempo. This type of music often features lower pitches and a gentle, dragging rhythm that can evoke a sense of melancholy or reflect a somber mood. For instance, in a film, the use of slow and mournful notes in a minor key can powerfully convey the protagonist's despair without needing words. The slow tempo allows the music to breathe and unfold in a way that can tug at the audience's emotions, often eliciting a visceral response such as sadness or empathy.
Conversely, the soundtrack of a movie scene can drastically alter the audience's perception. For example, replacing the slow, dismal music with an upbeat and bouncy melody despite the same visual cues can transform the scene from one that suggests danger to one that implies happiness or hope. The impact of music on the emotional landscape of a scene illustrates how tempo, alongside other musical elements, can be pivotal in storytelling.