When we talk about iconic movies, we might think grand visuals, witty dialogue and A-list actors. But let's be real—what really sticks is the music. Movie scores seem to have this magical ability to turn scenes from memorable to unforgettable, transforming background noise into something so vital. So integral that the music soon becomes own characters.
Let’s face it: some movies wouldn’t be half as memorable without those goosebump-inducing soundtracks. Scores don’t just take us to new worlds; they make us feel what those worlds are all about. You may not consciously register the moody violins or haunting piano in the background, but it’s exactly that music making you hold your breath.
In fact, while visuals may tell us the “what,” music tells us the “why,” by adding those deep, emotional layers that give scenes that extra magic, musical storytelling taps into those emotions that words on a page simply cannot reach.
if you were to ask me about film scores, I would say they aren’t just the finishing touch, far from it in fact —they’re the heartbeat and soul of films. They’re the unspoken characters that make every scene unforgettable.
That is the power of a film score. And here, I’m diving into two of my absolute favourites: Interstellar by Hans Zimmer and La La Land by Justin Hurwitz
Hans Zimmer is a household name for a reason. The man’s given us the chills with Inception, made us cry with The Lion King, and swept us away in the vastness of Dune. But if I were to name one score that takes the cake, for me, it’s Interstellar. Here, Zimmer doesn’t just compose music; he crafts a gravity-defying experience. No pun intended.Zimmers’s music in this film doesn’t just accompany the cinematography; it defines it.
It’s all about haunting organs, ticking clocks, and swelling orchestras. The use of the church organ in particular was a show-stealer. It brings this almost sacred quality, a breath of humanity floating in the cosmic universe. Christopher Nolan, the director, said the organ represents humanity’s attempt to understand the mystical. And wow, does it work. The music essentially becomes the movie’s heartbeat, capturing everything from isolation to fleeting time in a way words simply can’t. Even though it’s classed as a sci-film, it still manages to harness the soul of human connection.
On a less dramatic note, La La Land! Now, when I first saw La La Land, I impulsively signed myself up for jazz piano lessons, inspired by Ryan Gosling’s effortless skills. Spoiler alert: my jazz career was short-lived. But my love for the soundtrack? Still going strong.
We all know the big ensemble hits, like “Another Day of Sun” and “Someone in the Crowd,” that kick off the movie with colour, energy, and life. But the songs that left the biggest mark on me? The simpler ones, like “Mia and Sebastian’s Theme” and “City of Stars.” They’re stripped back, letting just a piano tell the story. And they’re all the more powerful for it, channelling the characters’ love story in this heartbreakingly minimalistic, yet evocative way.
Justin Hurwitz seamlessly blends jazzy nostalgia with a touch of modern style, creating something that feels both familiar and totally new for the audiences’ ears. Such songs follow our two main leads through pivotal moments, reminding us of the simplicity of their connection despite the chaos around them. Anyways, I could write pages on why this soundtrack is a masterpiece, but I’ll leave it here for now.
So, if you were to ask me about film scores, I would say they aren’t just the finishing touch, far from it in fact —they’re the heartbeat and soul of films. They’re the unspoken characters that make every scene unforgettable.
