From silence to symphony: unnoticed gems in film music
Film music often serves as the unsung hero of cinematic storytelling, elevating simple scenes into emotionally charged moments. However, it's worth noting how frequently the score itself remains unnoticed—despite its profound impact on the overall narrative. Digging deep into the archives of film music, let's shine light on some overlooked masterpieces that deserve more attention. We explore these hidden gems through the lenses provided by websites dedicated to this art form, yet not currently covered in the existing content map on SmartBlog. Keep reading to discover outstanding compositions you may have missed but can't afford to overlook any longer.
First, let's talk about Joe Hisaishi's work in Studio Ghibli films. Although Hisaishi is a celebrated composer, some of his scores—particularly in less-discussed films like 'The Wind Rises' and 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya'—are still underappreciated. These scores carry a simplicity and emotional depth that perfectly encapsulate the themes of the films. For instance, the score for 'The Wind Rises' mirrors the complexity and innovation of aircraft engineering while maintaining an underlying sorrow.
Next in line is the emotionally rich score for the film 'Moonlight' by Nicholas Britell. Unlike bombastic orchestrations often found in epic dramas, Britell’s subtle piano motifs and string arrangements in 'Moonlight' capture the layered identity crisis of the protagonist, Chiron, in a deeply moving way. The soundscape seamlessly transitions from the melancholic to the poignant, reflecting the evolving phases of Chiron’s life.
We also cannot skip the underutilized treasure that is Clint Mansell's score for 'The Fountain'. While the movie itself garnered mixed reviews, its score is nothing short of spectacular. Mansell’s blend of orchestration and electronic elements creates an ethereal, almost otherworldly sound. The recurring theme 'Death Is The Road to Awe' stands out as a symphonic masterpiece, impeccably capturing the film’s mystical nature and existential questions.
Another hidden gem in the field of film music is Mica Levi’s score for 'Under the Skin'. This avant-garde composition defies traditional scoring conventions, employing dissonant strings and unsettling rhythms that perfectly synchronize with Scarlett Johansson’s alien character. The unnerving sound design immerses viewers into an abstract, almost surreal experience, making the film’s eerie atmosphere even more compelling.
John Powells’s contribution to animated films also deserves more recognition. Often overshadowed by his work on the 'How to Train Your Dragon' series, Powell’s score for 'Horton Hears a Who!' is a delightful display of vibrant orchestration and inventive musical themes. The vivacious, whimsical nature of the score adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to the animated feature, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Moreover, Rachel Portman’s composition for 'Never Let Me Go' is another example of profound but overlooked film music. Portman’s delicate piano melodies and string harmonies perfectly echo the melancholy and ethical dilemmas in the narrative. This deeply humanistic score reminds us of the fragility and transient nature of life, enriching the film’s emotional landscape.
Jenny Beavan's score for 'A Room with a View', while often overlooked, deserves to be in the spotlight. Her classical and pastoral themes enhance the romantic and scenic beauty of Italy, making each scene visually and aurally rich. This soundtrack, subtle yet impactful, complements the narrative effortlessly, making it a must-listen for aficionados of film music.
The film 'Kubo and the Two Strings' sees Dario Marianelli crafting an intensely evocative score that incorporates traditional Japanese instruments blended with a traditional Western orchestra. Despite receiving its fair share of praise, it hasn't permeated the popular consciousness of film music as profoundly as it should. The soundtrack’s nuanced storytelling mirrors Kubo’s own journey, making it an indispensable part of the movie experience.
Finally, don't overlook Alberto Iglesias's soundtrack for 'The Constant Gardener'. This score is a masterclass in blending African musical elements with classical Western composition. Iglesias’s use of native instruments and orchestration provides an authentic sound backdrop that complements the film’s setting and themes, while also standing alone as a phenomenal piece of music.
These scores are more than just background music; they are integral components of the films’ storytelling, masterfully enhancing emotional and narrative depth. As you revisit these underappreciated compositions, we hope you gain a newfound appreciation for the unnoticed gems in the realm of film music.
First, let's talk about Joe Hisaishi's work in Studio Ghibli films. Although Hisaishi is a celebrated composer, some of his scores—particularly in less-discussed films like 'The Wind Rises' and 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya'—are still underappreciated. These scores carry a simplicity and emotional depth that perfectly encapsulate the themes of the films. For instance, the score for 'The Wind Rises' mirrors the complexity and innovation of aircraft engineering while maintaining an underlying sorrow.
Next in line is the emotionally rich score for the film 'Moonlight' by Nicholas Britell. Unlike bombastic orchestrations often found in epic dramas, Britell’s subtle piano motifs and string arrangements in 'Moonlight' capture the layered identity crisis of the protagonist, Chiron, in a deeply moving way. The soundscape seamlessly transitions from the melancholic to the poignant, reflecting the evolving phases of Chiron’s life.
We also cannot skip the underutilized treasure that is Clint Mansell's score for 'The Fountain'. While the movie itself garnered mixed reviews, its score is nothing short of spectacular. Mansell’s blend of orchestration and electronic elements creates an ethereal, almost otherworldly sound. The recurring theme 'Death Is The Road to Awe' stands out as a symphonic masterpiece, impeccably capturing the film’s mystical nature and existential questions.
Another hidden gem in the field of film music is Mica Levi’s score for 'Under the Skin'. This avant-garde composition defies traditional scoring conventions, employing dissonant strings and unsettling rhythms that perfectly synchronize with Scarlett Johansson’s alien character. The unnerving sound design immerses viewers into an abstract, almost surreal experience, making the film’s eerie atmosphere even more compelling.
John Powells’s contribution to animated films also deserves more recognition. Often overshadowed by his work on the 'How to Train Your Dragon' series, Powell’s score for 'Horton Hears a Who!' is a delightful display of vibrant orchestration and inventive musical themes. The vivacious, whimsical nature of the score adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to the animated feature, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Moreover, Rachel Portman’s composition for 'Never Let Me Go' is another example of profound but overlooked film music. Portman’s delicate piano melodies and string harmonies perfectly echo the melancholy and ethical dilemmas in the narrative. This deeply humanistic score reminds us of the fragility and transient nature of life, enriching the film’s emotional landscape.
Jenny Beavan's score for 'A Room with a View', while often overlooked, deserves to be in the spotlight. Her classical and pastoral themes enhance the romantic and scenic beauty of Italy, making each scene visually and aurally rich. This soundtrack, subtle yet impactful, complements the narrative effortlessly, making it a must-listen for aficionados of film music.
The film 'Kubo and the Two Strings' sees Dario Marianelli crafting an intensely evocative score that incorporates traditional Japanese instruments blended with a traditional Western orchestra. Despite receiving its fair share of praise, it hasn't permeated the popular consciousness of film music as profoundly as it should. The soundtrack’s nuanced storytelling mirrors Kubo’s own journey, making it an indispensable part of the movie experience.
Finally, don't overlook Alberto Iglesias's soundtrack for 'The Constant Gardener'. This score is a masterclass in blending African musical elements with classical Western composition. Iglesias’s use of native instruments and orchestration provides an authentic sound backdrop that complements the film’s setting and themes, while also standing alone as a phenomenal piece of music.
These scores are more than just background music; they are integral components of the films’ storytelling, masterfully enhancing emotional and narrative depth. As you revisit these underappreciated compositions, we hope you gain a newfound appreciation for the unnoticed gems in the realm of film music.