Review Tales

Film scores can elevate the story and allow your audience to feel it on an emotional level; it thrusts them right into your world. It is not just a matter of background music- the scores are an integral part of telling a story, enhancing the action of the plot, adding depth to characters, and heightening the atmosphere. From Jonny Greenwood’s haunting elegance to the kinetic, nonstop energy of Thomas Bangalter’s electronic beats, each score here becomes a voice in this collection of films that speaks directly to a viewer’s emotions.

Spencer (2021)

In Spencer,  the atmosphere is one of suffocation and inner turmoil as Princess Diana wrestles with her sense of self amid the pressures of royal life. The film’s tension is palpable, and Jonny Greenwood’s score brings it to life with a blend of elegance and discord. The music alternates between hauntingly beautiful classical arrangements and jarring, uneasy jazz, echoing Diana’s psychological distress. It’s as if the music is another voice in the film, amplifying her isolation and desperation. The score doesn’t just underscore her emotions; it immerses you in her fractured state of mind, making her struggles feel all the more real and inescapable.

Pain and Glory (2019)

Pain and Glory is a deeply personal reflection on life, art, and memory. The film is introspective, almost meditative, as it follows a filmmaker looking back on his past. Alberto Iglesias’s score feels like a warm embrace, with lush, flowing melodies that evoke the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The music captures the film’s essence—a contemplation of what has been lost and what remains. Each note seems to echo the protagonist’s longing and acceptance, enriching the narrative with a delicate balance of melancholy and hope. The soundtrack doesn’t merely accompany the visuals; it fills the spaces between words and thoughts, making the emotional journey richer and more profound.

Rockstar (2011)

Rockstar is an explosion of raw emotion and musical energy, telling the story of a musician’s turbulent rise to fame. A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack is the very heartbeat of the film, throbbing with the intensity of the protagonist’s passions and struggles. The music is a wild fusion of rock, Sufi, and folk, reflecting the character’s journey through love, loss, and rebellion. Each song is a chapter in his life, with tracks like “Sadda Haq” capturing his defiance and “Kun Faya Kun” delving into his spiritual awakening. Rahman’s compositions don’t just accompany the narrative; they drive it, pulling the audience into the protagonist’s chaotic world and making every high and low feel more visceral and immediate.

Interstellar (2014)

In Interstellar, the vastness of space and the deep emotional ties between characters are at the heart of the story. Hans Zimmer’s score takes you on a journey through both the infinite cosmos and the intimate bonds of love that transcend time. The music, centered around the haunting sounds of a church organ, evokes a sense of wonder and gravity, perfectly complementing the film’s exploration of humanity’s place in the universe. Zimmer’s compositions ebb and flow, reflecting the film’s oscillation between awe-inspiring visuals and deeply personal moments. The score doesn’t just support the narrative; it amplifies the film’s emotional core, making the vast emptiness of space feel profoundly human and resonant.

Arrival (2016)

Arrival is a film that delves into the mysteries of communication and the nature of time, wrapped in a narrative that is as much about personal loss as it is about extraterrestrial contact. Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score mirrors this complexity with music that is both ethereal and deeply emotional. The minimalist compositions use repeating motifs to reflect the film’s non-linear structure, while the haunting tones create a sense of otherworldliness that perfectly matches the film’s contemplative mood. The score is not just an accompaniment but a central thread that ties the narrative together, enhancing the emotional impact of the story’s revelations and the profound questions it raises about humanity and connection.

Masaan (2015)

Set against the spiritual backdrop of Varanasi, Masaan is a poignant tale of love, loss, and redemption. The film’s narrative is deeply intertwined with the cultural and emotional rhythms of life along the Ganges, and its soundtrack by Indian Ocean captures this essence beautifully. The music, with its blend of Indian classical and folk influences, echoes the film’s themes of tradition and change. Tracks like “Mann Kasturi” resonate with the characters’ internal struggles and their search for meaning in a world that is both unforgiving and sacred. The soundtrack doesn’t just complement the film’s visuals; it enriches its emotional and spiritual layers, making the characters’ journeys feel more grounded and their emotions more palpable.

Dev D (2009)

Dev D is a bold, modern retelling of a classic tale, filled with themes of excess, despair, and redemption. Amit Trivedi’s soundtrack is as eclectic and intense as the film itself, a wild mix of genres that mirrors the protagonist’s tumultuous journey. The music’s edgy, experimental nature reflects the film’s non-traditional narrative, with tracks like “Emosanal Attyachaar” capturing the protagonist’s chaotic descent into debauchery and “Nayan Tarse” expressing his deep, unfulfilled longing. Trivedi’s score isn’t just background music; it’s a driving force that propels the story forward, amplifying the emotional turmoil and the raw energy that defines the film’s unique style.

Climax (2018)

Climax is a descent into madness, driven by a relentless energy that pulses through every frame. The film’s intensity is mirrored in Thomas Bangalter’s electronic score, which is both hypnotic and unsettling. The music, with its pounding beats and eerie tones, reflects the escalating chaos as the characters spiral out of control. The soundtrack’s repetitive, driving rhythms create a sense of mounting tension, pulling the audience into the nightmarish experience alongside the characters. Bangalter’s music doesn’t just set the mood; it heightens the film’s psychological horror, making the descent into madness feel all the more inevitable and terrifying.

Phantom Thread (2017)

Phantom Thread is a film about obsession, control, and the complexities of love, set against the backdrop of the haute couture world. Jonny Greenwood’s score is as intricate and refined as the film’s protagonist, with music that reflects the precision and elegance of his craft. The lush orchestral arrangements, tinged with an underlying sense of unease, mirror the film’s exploration of power dynamics and emotional entanglements. Greenwood’s compositions add depth to the characters’ interactions, making their psychological struggles and moments of tenderness feel even more poignant. The score doesn’t merely accompany the film; it deepens its exploration of the fine line between love and control, making the story’s emotional stakes feel more intense and intimate.

The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

The Lord of the Rings is an epic saga that spans vast landscapes and complex emotions, telling a timeless story of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. Howard Shore’s monumental score captures the grandeur and depth of Tolkien’s world, with music that is as diverse as the characters and locations it represents. The score’s sweeping themes evoke the beauty of Middle-earth, the darkness of Mordor, and the resilience of the fellowship. Shore’s use of leitmotifs for different characters and places enriches the narrative, making the world feel alive and interconnected. The music doesn’t just complement the story; it enhances the emotional resonance of each moment, making the journey through Middle-earth feel both epic and deeply personal.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Requiem for a Dream is a harrowing exploration of addiction and the collapse of dreams, with a relentless narrative that pulls no punches. Clint Mansell’s score, especially the haunting “Lux Aeterna,” is a perfect match for the film’s dark and obsessive tone. The music’s repetitive, intense strings mirror the characters’ descent into despair, creating a sense of inescapable doom. Mansell’s compositions don’t just add to the film’s atmosphere; they amplify its emotional impact, making the characters’ suffering feel more immediate and devastating. The score lingers long after the film ends, a haunting reminder of the story’s tragic inevitability and the destructive power of addiction.