movies

I just finished watching Michael Mann's Thief (1981), which is one of these Tangerine Dream scores like William Friedkin's Sorcerer (1977). The score is so present and almost highlighted in the film, such that it feels like you are really supposed to notice the musical choices.

Suspiria (1977) would be so much less, almost forgettable without Goblin's weirdo score. A lot of old John Carpenter films are majorly influenced by his own scores.

I could go on with examples, but I think you get the point. It feels like modern scores are almost more meant to be only experienced subconsciously to enhance what's actually on the screen, and if the score is present its often just like the director's favourite songs instead of something weird created for the film.

When I try to think of modern films that have hired artists or groups to lovingly create an interesting pop score I struggle to think of any films that stand out in my memory. The remake of Suspiria (Thom Yorke), Swiss Army Man, a few old Jim Jarmusch films (Neil Young, RZA). Tron Legacy is maybe the closest I can remember in spirit with Daft Punk but honestly most of that was just normal orchestral score? I guess David Fincher has been working with Trent Reznor, The Social Network is probably a good example of this now that I think about it.

I guess I just miss weird synthed out scores thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.