Excellent list 👍 Definitely going to check out the Johnny Greenwood documentary.
I'm a big fan of a couple of other films Clint Mansell scored. In Pi the music really helps you get into the head of the anxious and paranoid main character. And The Fountain, which includes a collaboration with post-rock giants Mogwai is just gorgeous. Both, coincidentally or not, are directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Another film I'd recommend in general, but especially for its music is Waking Life. The soundtrack by Tosca Tango Orchestra was way outside my regular listening at the time I saw the movie, but it just fit the visuals so perfectly and became one of those soundtracks I've listened to many more times than I've seen the film.
Thanks Gary, for the great recommendations. I was unaware of Waking Life, although I've really enjoyed Richard Linklater's work. Boyhood was wonderful. Waking Life is now on my list of films to watch.
Great list! I think Alan Silvestri's score for Cast Away is underrated and would recommend that. My favorite is Howard Shore's score for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but I feel that one rightfully gets the attention it deserves.
Also, have you watched the documentary Great Film Composers? It's on Curiosity Stream and goes through film composers from silent films all the way through pretty recent. It's fascinating.
Thanks, Minor Fossil! It's been a while since I saw Cast Away, I may need to revisit it. I haven't seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but I have heard the music and it is fantastic. I get quite a few live performances too. I should watch the films.
Thanks for the recommendation on the documentary; I've not seen it, but that is now next on my list of films to watch.
Great list, Jamie. I wanted a good Morricone recommendation. I've been to Hancock concerts and listened to his records since a kid - I had no idea he had scored a film. Thanks!
Too many to recommend but one that totally blew me away was the repurposed use of Michel Legrand’s score for “The Go-Between” in Todd Haynes recent film, “May December.”
Eye and ear-opening as usual, Dom. Get Back, of course, is wonderful. It was especially significant for me since I had seen Let It Be when it was in theaters in 1970. We saw an excellent HBO special on the Stones earlier this year. Are you familiar with Il Postino? It has a lovely soundtrack. Do you have any aspirations to compose for film, Dom?
Thanks Donald, much appreciated. I've not seen Il Postino, but it sounds fascinating. The combination of good music and Latin American poetry has me sold. In terms of Italian cinema, I watched Rose Island not too long ago and was bewitched.
I'd love to write for film! I have a faint hope that my composition from The Code, Discovering Quasar (or Rising Moons) might fit with a sci-fi film of some kind. I have kept meaning to book off a few hours to send it around - this is a reminder to do so! Looking forward to watching Il Postino.
Excellent list 👍 Definitely going to check out the Johnny Greenwood documentary.
I'm a big fan of a couple of other films Clint Mansell scored. In Pi the music really helps you get into the head of the anxious and paranoid main character. And The Fountain, which includes a collaboration with post-rock giants Mogwai is just gorgeous. Both, coincidentally or not, are directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Another film I'd recommend in general, but especially for its music is Waking Life. The soundtrack by Tosca Tango Orchestra was way outside my regular listening at the time I saw the movie, but it just fit the visuals so perfectly and became one of those soundtracks I've listened to many more times than I've seen the film.
Thanks Gary, for the great recommendations. I was unaware of Waking Life, although I've really enjoyed Richard Linklater's work. Boyhood was wonderful. Waking Life is now on my list of films to watch.
I also love the soundtrack to Waking Life, as well as the entire film!
Gil Mellé - The Andromeda Strain
Thanks Rod, will check it out!
Great list! I think Alan Silvestri's score for Cast Away is underrated and would recommend that. My favorite is Howard Shore's score for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but I feel that one rightfully gets the attention it deserves.
Also, have you watched the documentary Great Film Composers? It's on Curiosity Stream and goes through film composers from silent films all the way through pretty recent. It's fascinating.
Thanks, Minor Fossil! It's been a while since I saw Cast Away, I may need to revisit it. I haven't seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but I have heard the music and it is fantastic. I get quite a few live performances too. I should watch the films.
Thanks for the recommendation on the documentary; I've not seen it, but that is now next on my list of films to watch.
great list! not films but hans zimmer's score for blue planet & planet earth 2 are also excellent
Couple to dive backwards into, from the 70s:
-Ennio Morricone—The Blue Eyed Bandit
-Piero Piccioni—Camille 2000
-David Shire—The Taking of Pelham 123
-Roy Budd—Get Carter
-Herbie Hancock—The Spook Who Sat By the Door
Great list, Jamie. I wanted a good Morricone recommendation. I've been to Hancock concerts and listened to his records since a kid - I had no idea he had scored a film. Thanks!
Nice list! I’m with you on Zimmer’s work on Dune. I think those rank among his greatest work and truly enhance the film experience.
Agreed - it's like everything he's been working towards is essentialised.
Great list.
Too many to recommend but one that totally blew me away was the repurposed use of Michel Legrand’s score for “The Go-Between” in Todd Haynes recent film, “May December.”
I've not seen that, but I will. Thanks for the recommendation Ryan!
Eye and ear-opening as usual, Dom. Get Back, of course, is wonderful. It was especially significant for me since I had seen Let It Be when it was in theaters in 1970. We saw an excellent HBO special on the Stones earlier this year. Are you familiar with Il Postino? It has a lovely soundtrack. Do you have any aspirations to compose for film, Dom?
Thanks Donald, much appreciated. I've not seen Il Postino, but it sounds fascinating. The combination of good music and Latin American poetry has me sold. In terms of Italian cinema, I watched Rose Island not too long ago and was bewitched.
I'd love to write for film! I have a faint hope that my composition from The Code, Discovering Quasar (or Rising Moons) might fit with a sci-fi film of some kind. I have kept meaning to book off a few hours to send it around - this is a reminder to do so! Looking forward to watching Il Postino.
Yea there’s a bunch in your list I need to see for the first time or revisit like Vertigo.
That is a must. I struggled between that and North by Northwest, which is also incredible.