Whenever I watch movies, the one thing I pay attention to above all else, even the dialogue and overall plot at times, is a movie’s score. So many of us don’t recognize that the sounds we hear, when associated to the drama, action, words and everything else that accompanies a film, are heightened that much more. It’s always the music sequences during scene changes or medley, that I think, bring the most emotions out of us when we’re watching. So because I’m obsessed with soundtracks and scores of all movies, I felt compelled while waiting this Hurricane Sandy out to put together my top 5 for you. Enjoy.
5- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 & 2 (2010, 2011)
Alexandre Desplat did a wonderful job composing the score for the last 2 installments of the Harry Potter franchise, which really, was a huge job to undertake. Considering John Williams set the tone for these films’ soundtracks at the very beginning, outlining the perfect overall lyric for Harry’s story with “Hedwig’s Theme,” and the composers who followed him in the subsequent films, most notably, Nicholas Hooper, who did a wonderful job in the 5th & 6th films, Desplat had a lot to live up to.
And in both parts of Deathly Hallows, Desplat did not fail to deliver something magical. In Part 1, I love the score in the background after Ron returns from leaving Harry and Hermione, as he apologizes to Hermione, sort of, by telling her how he found them. It’s love, it’s tender and clumsy– just like Ron. But most of all, it’s just perfect for the setting and mood of this scene. The opening number, too, as the movie begins is wonderful. Next time you’re watching this film, listen closely. All of Desplat’s work captures the panic and uncertainty the trio faces as they drop out of Hogwarts and hit the road in search of Voldemort’s horcruxes.
And Part 2 is the soundtrack Potter fans always waited for. From “Lily’s Theme” to “Statues” & “Courtyard Apocalypse” and even to Desplat’s references to John Williams’ original score at different moments, it’s the perfect score for the greatest film franchise of all time. I dare you to disagree with me.
4- The Dark Knight/ Dark Knight Rises (2008, 2012)
My obsession with these films’ scores comes from my deep admiration for all work of Hans Zimmer. He’s a particular favorite of director Christopher Nolan, and composes Nolan’s biggest projects, which makes me very happy. I simply love the work in these 2 films because the heart-pumping theme that plays in the background while Batman does work on the villains that lure in Gotham never gets old. And it’s really cool that it’s not just loud, brassy noises and percussion– that Batman’s choice of instruments when he’s protecting his city is an orchestra. Bad. Ass.
3- The Social Network (2010)
For me, this movie is gold. It has Aaron Sorkin as its screenwriter, Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield as its lead actors, and a killer soundtrack. A soundtrack that kicks ass for being a film about a website before it became super famous. A soundtrack that kicks ass because it depicts the anger and insecurities of 20-year-old boys who have the chance to change the world, but before they really believe they can. The main theme of this film, with the ringing, loud tones, behind a gentle piano lyric is so moving, I could listen to it all day. Fabulous work from composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
2- Inception (2010)
Back to Hans Zimmer. I think this man is the only one who could have possibly done what he did for Inception, which is why he is Nolan’s trustworthy composer. Think about it. How do you make a thriller out of a movie in which the characters are safely secure on an airplane, but below in their created dream world, they are fighting for their lives on 3 separate levels and then for a select few, the dreaded level of limbo? The answer to that question is by letting Zimmer create the greatest action soundtrack I’ve ever heard. A soundtrack that is loud, scary, and always racing to another loud and scary melody. It’s awesome. And it’s even more awesome that it’s for a film that is all happening inside of our head. Brilliance.
1- Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Like Elizabeth Bennett, this film’s soundtrack from Dario Marianelli has a heart of gold and wit beyond measure. It’s romantic, it’s moving, it’s everything you’ve ever felt from reading any Jane Austen or 19th century novel with a female heroine. It’s absolutely perfect. The way that Marianelli has Elizabeth clumsily play a song when visiting Lady Catherine in front of Mr. Darcy– the same melody that Darcy’s sister later plays (much better, I have to add) when Elizabeth visits his estate in Pemberley is so romantic. These two characters, who come from such different backgrounds, and who are so opposed to one another in the beginning have the same melody that reminds them of home. Swoon.
I could go on and on about this film’s soundtrack but I’ll leave it with this: as already mentioned, it’s absolutely perfect.
A nice selection, I thought the version of Edvard Grieg’s In The Hall of the Mountain King in the Social Network was amazing (the Oxford boat race scene). I’d add Senna into this, Antonio Pinto did a stunning job for the documentary. Damon Albarn put together a brilliant soundtrack for the hugely underrated Ravenous from 1999. Amadeus should get a mention, of course; anything with Mozart in it is a must! Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man is unique, too, and There Will Be Blood has a quirky soundtrack. It really adds to the tension.
You’re absolutely right about the “Mountain King” in The Social Network! That scene made the twins’ failures on the boat and online so heartbreaking. And I totally agree with your comment about Mozart– these films you’ve mentioned, I will definitely check out now. Thanks for the tip!