by Robin Munson
There was an article in the Life section (10-06-2014) issue of USA Today about the film score for Gone Girl. The composer is Trent Reznor, (with long-time collaborator, Atticus Ross, who barely got a mention). Reznor worked in collaboration with the film’s director, David Fincher. This is the most recent of several collaborations between Fincher and Reznor. (FYI – Trent Reznor is the front man for Nine Inch Nails, but as the article points out, his work with Nine Inch Nails is “slowly being eclipsed by his reputation as a film composer.” Note to Self: Next lifetime, front a band. A very successful band.)
The idea of the direction for the score came from the director. He had gone to a chiropractor’s office and they had been playing “spa” music of the new age genre that was “inauthentically trying to make him feel okay”. So they came to the idea of creating music that on the surface had a reassuring quality, but had an underlying darkness that said otherwise.
I recommend reading the article. If for no other reason, it highlights a recognition of the role of music in creating mood, context, and texture.
And to me, it also underlines the importance of being a team player, whether with a director, a music supervisor, a production company, or a library.. So often we are asked to create a certain mood — a meta message — that can sell a particular product, a point of view, or create a particular ambiance. It’s always a challenge to set aside some of our own ideas in order to serve our client’s vision. And going forward it is clear that “soundscapes”, as opposed to traditional melodies and orchestration, will become a more and more dominant method of achieving those goals.
I found a link where you can listen to a little of the soundtrack. I found this one particularly chilling. It’s called “Sugar Storm”, and I think it’s well worth the time.
http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=350948108&m=351241487
FWIW when I hear a recommendation that resonates, I immediately go to my spotify account and look things up – Gone Girl soundtrack is there….as are several other soundtracks and playlists from composers mentioned on here. Spotify may be iffy for composers expecting to make a lot of money off it but a gold mine if you like to research.
Been a long time Trent fan, and always wondered why Beck (hanson) never really ventured into the film and TV end of things, would fit perfectly in that world. If I had two “home studio heroes” they’d be the guys. Thanks for posting. And yes that track , not sure if I should relax and listen or run screaming out of the room :)……
Good points Robin, Music for film and library music too require you to leave your ego at the door. Most of the time it has a supplementary role. Directors don’t want the audience to notice the music above the visuals.
Hi Denis and Chuck,
Thanks for your comments. It’s true that we have to keep learning that lesson over and over – about detaching from our egos so that we can create music that will ultimately be heard (outside of our home studios, anyway.)I think Trent Reznor did a great job on this score, too.