Rhythm and tempo are connected to film as well as music. In music, rhythm is how each note relates to the next one as well as rests while its use in film pertains to the length of scenes and their editing. This also shows the length of time in music that a note is heard. Tempo relates to how fast or slow a beat counts off. This concept also corresponds to the actual action occurring in film scenes. For example, a leisurely spoken speech in a scene with no action or movement will have a slow tempo.
All pieces of music have a structure or form that ranges from easy to complex in nature. The structure relates to verses and choruses that make up the composition. With film, the structure refers to each segment that creates the beginning, middle and end of the project. This is set into the three parts known as the first act, second act and third act. A climax occurs between the second act and third act to set up the film's ending. Both mediums use devices such as repetition as part of its form to advance the storyline.
Music can affect mood and atmosphere through elements such as the sound each note produces. For example, pieces with a lush tone as well as a grand tone present calming emotions. Film uses a combination of images, settings, dialogues and plots to create an atmosphere while incorporating sound to also create a mood. Soundtracks consist of music as well as sound effects to help establish the tone for scenes throughout the film. The sound effects coincide with simple actions such as a door opening to complicated sequences like a car accident.
Complexity of music is the effort by a listener to gain an understanding of it and whether he can understand its concepts. Certain effects such as the volume of sound or transitions from note to note in a piece affect the level of complexity. Films use transitions between scenes as well as in the midst of a scene at particular times to change the viewer's understanding of a film.