Picture this: you’re sitting in a movie theater, eyes glued to the screen as an intense scene unfolds before you. The dialogue is gripping, the visuals are stunning, but what truly pulls you in and makes your heart pound in your chest is the music. It's the soundtrack, a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle, that breathes life into a movie and heightens the emotional impact of the story.
From the ominous, two-note theme in Jaws, to the stirring, epic melodies of Star Wars, the power of a good movie soundtrack is indisputable. Yet, like the unsung hero, the music in movies often goes unnoticed by audiences, or at least unappreciated in the way it should be. What we aim to do in this article is shed a small light on this essential piece of film making.
In the landscape of today's movie scores, two names stand out prominently: Hans Zimmer and Alexandre Desplat. Zimmer is known for his visceral, overwhelming compositions that have become the backbone of spectacular films like Inception and Interstellar. His style often turns the traditional orchestra on its head, applying electronic sounds and unconventional instruments to create an atmosphere of relentless tension. On the other hand, there's Desplat, the musical genius who brought us the bewitching scores for movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shape of Water. His compositions are often playful, imbued with a sense of whimsy that is perfectly suited to the quirky films he scores.
In spite of - or perhaps because of - their contrasting styles, these two composers are at the forefront of the film music industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and redefining audience expectations.
But film score is never created in a vacuum. It must serve the film's narrative, shaping and enhancing the audience's reaction to what they are seeing on screen. The integral relationship between film and music comes to the fore, for instance, in the Bond films, where the iconic theme sets the tone for an entire series.
Another fascinating aspect worth highlighting is that the film score has also evolved with the medium. As filmmaking techniques grew more complex, so did the scoring process. Today, film scores can range from startlingly minimalist, like the ambient soundscapes of Mica Levi for Under the Skin, to grandiose symphonic scores like Howard Shore’s unmistakable compositions for the Lord of the Rings.
Ultimately, the true power of a movie soundtrack comes from its ability to move us, to stir emotions we didn't realise we were feeling until the strings swell and the horns blare. To truly appreciate the artfulness of a good movie score, one needs to listen not just with the ears, but with the heart. Next time we find ourselves getting lost in a movie, let's take a moment to listen to the music and the countless nuances that it's adding to the story.
The art of movie soundtrack: a deeper dive
