Angela Schanelec’s cinematic work is often seen as meticulous and detail-oriented. Her early films, known for their rigorous formality, featured long, static shots that captured the essence of the spaces her characters inhabited, whether it was a desolate artist in Marseilles or travelers lost in the liminal zones of Orly airports. This approach evolved with 2016’s The Dreamed Path, where close-ups became more frequent, drawing comparisons to Robert Bresson.
In Music, Schanelec continues to explore these intimate themes. Her characters are not just elements of a story but “beings” that exist with all their physicality in front of the camera. This focus extends beyond people to include light, weather, and even animals, all given equal importance in her films.
A New Approach to Film Music
Interestingly, Schanelec’s approach to music in Music markedly differs from her previous works. As she explains, Sure, it was a different approach. I mean, the film is about music… The fact that I didn’t use music before… doesn’t mean that I did not think about music. Music has a huge meaning for me.
Since the film’s conception always included music as a core element, Schanelec invested over a year searching for the right compositions and eventually collaborated with Doug Tielli in Toronto.
This blending of contemporary compositions with Baroque music adds depth to Music. I always knew it should be Baroque; this was my interest from the beginning…
, she states. This juxtaposition allows her characters to connect with ancient tunes while evolving through their own modern expressions.
Journey from Greece to Germany
The geographical arc from rural Greece to urban Berlin mirrors a journey both literal and metaphorical. The decision to start in Greece ties directly to the myth of Oedipus while showcasing an extensive location scouting process before finally settling on Germany due to financial constraints. To start in Greece came from the myth [of Oedipus]… but for sure I was happy that I already had an experience shooting there
.
The Role of Sound and Ambience
Sound plays a distinctive role throughout Schanelec’s films, elevating ordinary ambient noises to musical heights. If the film is called Music, then every sound plays a huge role…
. Her long-time collaboration with the same sound team underlines this commitment to auditory detail.
Exploring Themes through Physicality
Schanelec’s method focuses intensely on physical presence; each gesture and movement examined for its narrative import. Whether it’s bloodied feet—hinting at Oedipus’ fate—or intricate costume choices—I’m very interested in costume and in shoes…—she ensures that these details contribute significantly to understanding her characters and their journeys.
Larger Political Impressions
Though not primarily political, the movement from Greece’s rural past to modern Berlin inevitably invites geopolitical interpretations. It subtly reflects on topics such as immigration and identity within Europe. As she describes, I mean, it’s almost impossible to avoid…so it was never a starting point…
, confirming how real-world concerns seep naturally into her narratives.
Convergence of Classical and Modern Themes
The adaptation of classical texts like Sophocles’ Oedipus also becomes an avenue for exploring timeless human experiences through a modern lens. Angela mentions,If you take Shakespeare…it’s so strong that I can just rely on it; I do not have to fulfill anything…
. This reflects how deeply rooted texts continue to resonate without alterations.
Follow Us
