Thor 7,385 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 I couldn't find any previous thread on this, the big sci fi film of the year (in addition to STAR WARS IX). Anyways, just came back from it and offer some spoiler-free comments. My colleagues, who saw it in Venice, were rather lukewarm, but I could glean from their comments that this would probably be more up my alley. I was correct in my assumption. I loved the film. It's a hodgepodge of various inspirarions -- 2001, FURY ROAD, Malick, GRAVITY, EVENT HORIZON etc., but it works to its benefit. Plus James Gray's usual fascination for APOCALYPSE NOW and Coppola, which he explored so wonderfully well in the brilliant THE LOST CITY OF Z. At one level, it's a regular space adventure -- with some hokey elements that aren't necessarily connected to the overall storyline -- but on another level, it's a beautiful, cerebral science fiction film about fundamental human issues, mainly the relationship between a father and his son. Most great sci fi films have this balance of elements. I also love the "road movie" feel of it, with each location firmly set with its own atmosphere. In that way, it has a kind of 'vignette' feel to it; I could easily see a whole film taking place in each of these locations. I'll save more specific comments for later. As for the score, I really liked it. It has Richter's usual minimalist style, but with some expansive chords. There's an electronic "motif" or beat of sorts that was particularly captivating. I have no idea what Richter did and what Balfe did (perhaps Balfe's the one that did the beautiful electronic thing), but I can't wait to hear it on album. If it gets an album, and we don't have another GHOST IN THE SHELL situation on our hands. The Illustrious Jerry and John 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,306 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 The trailer that I saw mainly gave me a Event Horizon feeling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 1 minute ago, Alexcremers said: The trailer that I saw mainly gave me a Event Horizon feeling. Is that good or bad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,306 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 2 minutes ago, Stefancos said: Is that good or bad? I have yet to see a Event Horizon movie that I like. ( I don't hate EH but I don't like it either. Same goes for Danny Boyle's Sunshine) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh500 1,615 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 I only saw the trailer. I thought this might be a mixture of Interstellar and First Moon... Am I wrong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,306 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Yes, Thor didn't mention those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpy 4,145 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 11 minutes ago, Alexcremers said: Same goes for Danny Boyle's Sunshine) I had a much better experience with Doctor Who's '42' which coincidentally was released the same time as Sunshine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 13, 2019 Author Share Posted September 13, 2019 Don't expect INTERSTELLAR. This is more of a 'hybrid' film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Hybrid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Wait, so Thor's friends were fairly unanimous about it but he saw something else in it which they did not? This doesn't bode well at all. Damn, I'd been sort of keeping an eye on this too. Thor and Dixon Hill 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheUlyssesian 2,467 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 2 hours ago, Thor said: Don't expect INTERSTELLAR. This is more of a 'hybrid' film. Thank God! Because Interstellar is hot garbage. So I am happy it is not like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Aren't you the guy who reads and puts stock in CC's reviews though? Doesn't inspire confidence in your ability to recognize hot garbage even if a wad hit you in the face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Come on TGP! Tell him he's a cunt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 In my century we don't succumb to revenge. We have a more evolved sensibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabulin 3,505 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom 4,610 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 8 hours ago, Thor said: As for the score, I really liked it. It has Richter's usual minimalist style, but with some expansive chords. There's an electronic "motif" or beat of sorts that was particularly captivating. I have no idea what Richter did and what Balfe did (perhaps Balfe's the one that did the beautiful electronic thing), but I can't wait to hear it on album. If it gets an album, and we don't have another GHOST IN THE SHELL case on our hands. Sounds like the the sort of score that will win the Oscar over episode IX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Mr. Big 4,621 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 3 minutes ago, Tom said: Sounds like the the sort of score that will win the Oscar over episode IX. And Lorne Balfe will still find a way to bitch about it Jurassic Shark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 14, 2019 Author Share Posted September 14, 2019 14 hours ago, Stefancos said: Hybrid? Yes, a sort of meeting point between a straightforward 'romp' of a space adventure and a more cerebral science fiction film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 1,053 Posted September 14, 2019 Share Posted September 14, 2019 Which means there’s no attempt to save Matt Damon’s character. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elayis 0 Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 So apparently any OST release is off the table with Balfe coming onboard, similar to what happened with Ghost in the Shell. Richter's score was due to have an album but that has been cancelled. Huge bummer if this is true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edmilson 7,264 Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 If the movie (and the score) get enough Oscar traction, maybe we'll at least get the FYC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Under-Terrestrial 51 Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 Fear not!! Also, I have to wonder about Balfe's involvement: he posted photos from his recording sessions on Instagram close to the Venice festival premiere: perhaps Balfe was brought on by studio request in response to the Venice screening? Maybe he was on board beforehand, I don't know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 16, 2019 Author Share Posted September 16, 2019 Disconcerting! Perhaps we'll be getting a soundtrack JUST with Balfe's material, like we did on GHOST (even though Mansell's was superior). I like Balfe, but I'm more interested in the Richter bits, should a similar scenario arise now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 11,956 Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 Balfe's role was probably to record samples with a really good orchestra, and then to process them to the point of sounding synthetic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,042 Posted September 16, 2019 Share Posted September 16, 2019 Mansell's Ghost in the Shell score still hasn't leaked out, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 16, 2019 Author Share Posted September 16, 2019 1 hour ago, Jurassic Shark said: Balfe's role was probably to record samples with a really good orchestra, and then to process them to the point of sounding synthetic. I don't think so. I'm guessing that the electronic ostinato bits were him, but Richter can do that too, so it's not certain. Will certainly be interesting to find out who did what, should the information ever surface. I'm seeing the film again in an IMAX theatre on Wednesday, and I'll try to pay better attention to the music. 1 hour ago, Jay said: Mansell's Ghost in the Shell score still hasn't leaked out, right? Not to my knowledge (and much to my frustration). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 18, 2019 Author Share Posted September 18, 2019 Saw the film again today, in IMAX. I think the electronic thing is Richter, actually, and Balfe's material some slightly more generic music for the more dramatic moments (think a lesser version of Wallfisch's BR2049 material). I also sat through the end credits this time, and noticed that two other composers were listed with 'additional music': Nils Frahm -- who I've heard about, but never listened to, as far as I can recall. The other was Robert Charles Mann, who I've never even heard about. So that means Richter, Balfe, Frahm and Mann! Additionally, the film uses some existing music -- including a concert piece by main composer Richter ("Stormy Sea" something) and one piece by Frahm (which I assume is different from the original score he provided). The other song credits rushed by so quickly, I didn't have the time to read them. What a tangled web! No wonder no one has heard anything about a soundtrack album yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antovolk 95 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 On 9/16/2019 at 6:06 PM, Under-Terrestrial said: Fear not!! Also, I have to wonder about Balfe's involvement: he posted photos from his recording sessions on Instagram close to the Venice festival premiere: perhaps Balfe was brought on by studio request in response to the Venice screening? Maybe he was on board beforehand, I don't know... I've seen the film twice - once at Venice and once after, both times Balfe was credited as additional music...and the score wasn't different At least one track is coming on Friday, per Richter's website - https://www.maxrichtermusic.com/2019/09/16/ad-astra-out-sept-20th/. Plus the latest promo clips from the film online still have "Soundtrack Available From Deutsche Grammophon" in the credits (as of the 16th).... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lyn1979 0 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 On Max Richter official website https://www.maxrichtermusic.com/ it says a single called To The Stars will be released on September 20. A full album might still get released that day Balfe on twitter said it would be released soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toothless 961 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 12 hours ago, Thor said: Nils Frahm -- who I've heard about, but never listened to, as far as I can recall. I really like some of his work such as:http://www.deezer.com/track/78481520 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
publicist 4,643 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 Memories of 'Ghost in the Shell' arise. Probably another disappointment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpy 4,145 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 Memoirs of a Ghostra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antovolk 95 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 So just a single Richter track from the film is out tomorrow as a single - https://omusic.friday.tw/albumpage.php?album_id=1735535 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 19, 2019 Author Share Posted September 19, 2019 That's a start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 11,956 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 At least it's not Balfe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules 59 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 Watched the film last night and thought it was fantastic. Very slow, but incredibly beautiful-looking and meditative. Also really enjoyed what is surely mostly Richter's score? Barely detected any Balfe sounding snippets. That single is out in Aus already and it's lovely, really holding out for the album though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,084 Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 On 9/18/2019 at 8:43 PM, antovolk said: At least one track is coming on Friday, per Richter's website - https://www.maxrichtermusic.com/2019/09/16/ad-astra-out-sept-20th/. Plus the latest promo clips from the film online still have "Soundtrack Available From Deutsche Grammophon" in the credits (as of the 16th).... Actually, the film credits have that info as well, including a prominent Deutsche Grammophon logo. antovolk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 11,956 Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 I remember when the Deutsche Grammophon logo used to mean something... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 20, 2019 Author Share Posted September 20, 2019 I'm guessing the DG deal was struck when Richter was the only composer on the project, being a renowned concert composer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,084 Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 5 hours ago, Jurassic Shark said: I remember when the Deutsche Grammophon logo used to mean something... Before they started releasing stuff by pop composers like John Williams... Jurassic Shark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thestat 338 Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 Richter has a contract with DG - most of his works are released through them. It's a shame that even this has been balfed. One would expect Gray and Pitt to have some taste (and clout) to prevent this sort of Bruckheimerisation from happening. Though, in his favour, the track that Balfe posted on his youtube channel is not half bad. It's kind of what I would expect Richter to sound like......But he seems to have moved to a more large-scale Wagnerian phase, especially if one listens to Mary Queen of Scots or indeed Ad Astra. But this is probably going to be the breakout for Nils Frahm, as Arrival was for Richter.....listen to the dude's 'Says', which by all accounts is the key musical centrepiece: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 21, 2019 Author Share Posted September 21, 2019 A-ha! So that beautiful electronic thing was FRAHM?! Thanks for clarifying, thestat -- it's the best musical aspect of the score. Figures that it was an existing piece. In the film, it first appears when McBride (Pitt) drives to the rocket launch on earth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,251 Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 49 minutes ago, thestat said: But this is probably going to be the breakout for Nils Frahm, as Arrival was for Richter.....listen to the dude's 'Says', which by all accounts is the key musical centrepiece: Arrival was Max Richter’s breakout? Dude has been popular for 10 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thestat 338 Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 Thanks Thor. Koray - yeah, he's been a major composer for more than that, but Arrival was when he truly could attract studio capital - compare Last Days on Mars with Ad Astra..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KK 3,304 Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 Nils Frahm has also been quite popular for sometime. Richter has just worked in the film/TV medium more. And Richter isn't really a "concert hall" composer. But he creates independent work. Sort of the precursor to the Johannsson types, before he became a more active film composer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 21, 2019 Author Share Posted September 21, 2019 I'd argue that Richter's "breakout" in film music terms was WALTZ WITH BASHIR (2008), although SHUTTER ISLAND (2010) was the first that alerted me to his name (although it's existing music, not original score). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 11,956 Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 Vivaldi Recomposed was my first encounter with Richter, and to date, the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 21, 2019 Author Share Posted September 21, 2019 6 minutes ago, Jurassic Shark said: Vivaldi Recomposed was my first encounter with Richter, and to date, the best. Yes, great album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KK 3,304 Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 6 minutes ago, Jurassic Shark said: Vivaldi Recomposed was my first encounter with Richter, and to date, the best. Also my first. It's brilliant, for what it aims to do. Blue Notebooks and Memoryhouse remain his best original work. The rest of his later career has some highlights, but is mostly hit and miss, or retreading familiar material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,385 Posted September 21, 2019 Author Share Posted September 21, 2019 If we're on to general Richter now: THE LEFTOVERS is my favourite -- by FAR! Also own and like DISCONNECT, TESTAMENT OF YOUTH, TABOO, MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS and the OUT OF THE DARK ROOM compilation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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