Musical scores have a tremendous impact on the overall feeling of the film. They enhance the mood and give us a sense of the overall tone with highs, lows and the deepest forms of expression. We’ve taken a look at the most recent film releases. Of these, we’ve chosen the top five movie scores of 2017 so far to share with you.
A Ghost Story
David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story” isn’t about the horror, instead it focuses thematically on loss and regret. It deals with death and the passage of time. This haunting film deals with leaving this earth along with the sensations involved. Daniel Hart is responsible for scoring the movie and his most recent use of blending gothic orchestration, classicism and traditional folk have resulted in a sound that is uniquely his own. The score was a challenge and very much experimental but works for this particular film.
Call Me By Your Name
Sufjan Stevens scored some elements of this film directed by Luca Guadagnino about youth, being gay and coming out. The three contributions that Stevens made include a wistful yet elating combination that create a powerful emotional backdrop as the story unfolds. The ethereal piano arrangement of “Futile Devices” along with an additional two original songs deliver high on setting the best tone for the film.
Beauty and the Beast
The classic tale of Beauty and the Beast unfolds in the latest film production with score pieces written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The cast perform the vocals in this musical masterpiece. An additional three new songs appear in the film, compliments of composer Tim Rice.
Alien
Alien films are known for their tropes that are not exactly the traditional sci-fi horror genre. The new Alien score is heavy on orchestra with experimental elements. Jed Zurzel is the genius behind the score for the latest in the Alien series. He artistically blends this follow up score with Marc Streitenfeld’s efforts from Prometheus in 2012. In addition, the score is also intertwined with Jerry Goldsmith’s original score from the 1979 Alien film.
War of the Planet of the Apes
Michael Giacchino set the bar high with the score from “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” This gave him a template of sorts for the follow up film “War of the Planet of the Apes.” The new film presented a few challenges because of the abrupt changes in mood. Instead of the more delicate orchestrations, it requires more climactic sound effects to carry the mood forward. Enhanced brass and percussive grandeur is the key that moves the film from subtlety to greater heights of action. Encroaching violent scenes get the sound support that are needed and the score brilliantly signals viewers about what is coming up next. Fluid and intuitive are words that best describe the musical score for “War of the Planet of the Apes.”
Final thoughts
These are the top five musical scores for 2017 so far. We have a ways to go in the season and we’ll just have to wait and see if another piece rises to the top to displace any of our top picks. It’s been a great year for music in film and we’re not finished yet.
Follow Us
