With the discover of 'Roar! (Cloverfield Overture)', I now wonder, do composers generally have a sense of humor when it comes to silly things on screen, inside jokes, and homages?
Do Film Composers Have A Sense of Humor?
Started by Indiana_Fett, Jan 21 2008 06:52 AM
30 replies to this topic
#1
Indiana_Fett
-
- Members
-
- 957 posts
lol
- Gender:Male
- Location:California
Posted 21 January 2008 - 06:52 AM
#2
Drax
-
- Members
-
- 12975 posts
ゴジラ
- Gender:Male
- Location:Sydney, Australia
Posted 21 January 2008 - 06:55 AM
Watch any Joe Dante movie.
#3
Kendal_Ozzel
-
- Members
-
- 2462 posts
Admiral
- Gender:Male
- Location:Otisburg
Posted 21 January 2008 - 07:05 AM
Giacchino's track titles certainly show that he does.
#4
Docteur Qui
-
- Members
-
- 3703 posts
Frequent Poster
- Gender:Male
- Location:Everywhere
Posted 21 January 2008 - 07:08 AM
Indeed, Giacchino has an excellent sense of humour.
Danny Elfman would have to as well. No-one who writes like that could be dead-pan.
Jerry was a funny guy too. Cynical, but funny.
Danny Elfman would have to as well. No-one who writes like that could be dead-pan.
Jerry was a funny guy too. Cynical, but funny.
#5
indy4
-
- Members
-
- 16702 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
Posted 21 January 2008 - 07:48 AM
The titling of "The Menu" on Jaws 2 as well as "Promenade (Tourists on the Menu)" is slightly funny, although I don't know if JW made that up.
Recently Purchased CDs:
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
#6
Henry Buck
-
- Members
-
- 9215 posts
Veteran
- Gender:Male
- Location:Massachusetts
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:05 AM
Probably, as he was directly involved in the (bad) re-sequencing of the Jaws 25th Anniversary album.
#7
Mark Olivarez
-
- Members
-
- 30301 posts
Speechless
- Gender:Male
- Location:Deep In The Heart O' Texas
Posted 21 January 2008 - 04:43 PM
I've heard stories that Williams had a very good sense of humor when in private settings with close friends.
Chris Young and Elliot Goldenthal have a good sense of humor, look at some of their track titles.
Chris Young and Elliot Goldenthal have a good sense of humor, look at some of their track titles.
#8
Elmo Lewis
-
- Members
-
- 6137 posts
Relatively respectable citizen.
- Gender:Male
Posted 21 January 2008 - 05:49 PM
Don Davis, on the other hand, tries to be funny in the track title area. Doesn't work.
"We’re flawed because we want so much more. We’re ruined because we get these things and wish for what we had."
#9
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 21 January 2008 - 06:04 PM
Elfman has been known to have a sense of humor. Like all his 'The Final Confrontation' tracks. And 'Tiger Balls' from Red Dragon.
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
#10
Drax
-
- Members
-
- 12975 posts
ゴジラ
- Gender:Male
- Location:Sydney, Australia
Posted 21 January 2008 - 06:08 PM
And 'Tiger Balls' from Red Dragon.
There wasn't any other appropriate title for that track anyway.
#11
Miguel Andrade
-
- Members
-
- 4241 posts
John Williams know it all
- Gender:Male
- Location:Portugal
Posted 21 January 2008 - 06:17 PM
Williams is said to be a funny guy in private, and some of his cue titles are quite hilarious.
Miguel Andrade
[url="http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html"]http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html[/url]
e-mail: miguel.jw@gmail.com
----------------------
"I owe a tremendous debt of gratitute do John Williams. Without his music, Superman's powers are greatly deminished. Believe me, if you try to fly without that theme, you go nowhere... one step, two steps and... down!" -- Christopher Reeve, May 1993
"John Williams will go down as one of the greatest composers." -- Leonard Slatkin, american conductor
"Ah yes, the Olympics. The quadrennial event where composer John Williams collects a hefty royalty check from NBC."
"Music is not a luxury but a necessity" - Robert Shaw
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." -- Albert Einstein
[url="http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html"]http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html[/url]
e-mail: miguel.jw@gmail.com
----------------------
"I owe a tremendous debt of gratitute do John Williams. Without his music, Superman's powers are greatly deminished. Believe me, if you try to fly without that theme, you go nowhere... one step, two steps and... down!" -- Christopher Reeve, May 1993
"John Williams will go down as one of the greatest composers." -- Leonard Slatkin, american conductor
"Ah yes, the Olympics. The quadrennial event where composer John Williams collects a hefty royalty check from NBC."
"Music is not a luxury but a necessity" - Robert Shaw
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." -- Albert Einstein
#12
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 21 January 2008 - 06:18 PM
Like which, for instance? I can't think of any at the moment (aside from the aforementioned track)
I do recall at some point a Q&A in which he had some funny lines (about the length of a love scene in real life, and some other quips like that).
I do recall at some point a Q&A in which he had some funny lines (about the length of a love scene in real life, and some other quips like that).
Most other composers would probably find some...different way to describe it.And 'Tiger Balls' from Red Dragon.
There wasn't any other appropriate title for that track anyway.
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
#13
John Crichton
-
- Members
-
- 16472 posts
The Doctor in America
- Gender:Male
- Location:West Texas
Posted 21 January 2008 - 07:27 PM
Every time I hear certain parts of Temple of Doom I picture Williams in his office laughing his butt off while writing them.
The First Question. The Oldest Question in the Universe, hidden in plain sight...
#14
Red Rabbit
-
- Members
-
- 10547 posts
Youngster
- Gender:Male
- Location:The Future
Posted 21 January 2008 - 07:36 PM
I'm sure he got a kick out of including Yoda's Theme in E.T. or Jabba's in The Phantom Menace.
Do you like John Williams? His early work was a little too jazzy for my taste, but when Jaws came out in '75 I really think he came into his own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and an air of consummate professionalism that really gives the pieces a big boost. He's been compared to Jerry Goldsmith but I think John has a far more leitmotif-driven style of composing. In '82 John composed this, E.T., his most accomplished album to date. I think his undisputed masterpiece is "The Magic of Halloween", a theme so catchy most people don't listen to what it means. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of childhood and the importance of friendship, it's also a personal statement about the man himself. Hey Paul!
- Patrick Bateman on the Maestro
- Patrick Bateman on the Maestro
#15
Hlao-roo
-
- Members
-
- 5016 posts
Rank Sentimentalist
- Gender:Male
Posted 21 January 2008 - 07:48 PM
The cue title Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra is, if not "hilarious," at least facetious.
#16
Josh500
-
- Members
-
- 9678 posts
Veteran
- Gender:Male
- Location:London, UK
Posted 21 January 2008 - 07:59 PM
This is a stupid title for a thread. Film composers are people like you and me (except for the musical talent they have, of course). . . so some have a sense of humor, some don't.
Also, just because someone has a sense of humor, they don't have to come with all sorts of funny track names.
Also, just because someone has a sense of humor, they don't have to come with all sorts of funny track names.
#17
indy4
-
- Members
-
- 16702 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:06 PM
"The Bug Tunnel and Death Trap" always seemed like a funny track to me (not the name, the actual music), as does "Gilderoy Lockhart."
And Spielberg has said that JW has a great sense of humor, and that's why he thought JW was joking when he played him the theme from Jaws for the first time.
And Spielberg has said that JW has a great sense of humor, and that's why he thought JW was joking when he played him the theme from Jaws for the first time.
Recently Purchased CDs:
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
#18
Josh500
-
- Members
-
- 9678 posts
Veteran
- Gender:Male
- Location:London, UK
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:13 PM
"Attack on the House" from Home Alone is pretty funny too (the music, that is, not the title).
#19
indy4
-
- Members
-
- 16702 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:17 PM
And Hooper has, "The Sirius Deception," as Doyle has "Sirius Fire."
Recently Purchased CDs:
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
#20
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:23 PM
Neither of those strike me as the least bit humerous. The first one is barely a pun.
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
#21
indy4
-
- Members
-
- 16702 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:26 PM
They were trying.
Recently Purchased CDs:
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
#22
Morlock
-
- Members
-
- 16149 posts
Grand Master
- Gender:Male
- Location:Jerusalem, Israel
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:30 PM
I don't think they were.
I should be resisting this, but I'm paralyzed with rage... and island rhythms.
#23
Mark Olivarez
-
- Members
-
- 30301 posts
Speechless
- Gender:Male
- Location:Deep In The Heart O' Texas
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:30 PM
Barely.
#24
Richard Penna
-
- Members
-
- 8802 posts
Somewhere else
- Gender:Male
- Location:Surrey, UK
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:55 PM
I really don't care.
#25
Marian Schedenig
-
- Members
-
- 18863 posts
Miss the Point
- Gender:Male
- Location:Vienna, Austria
Posted 21 January 2008 - 08:59 PM
Chris Young and Elliot Goldenthal have a good sense of humor, look at some of their track titles.
Or listen to Goldenthal's Batman Forever. It's hilarious.
The funniest Williams moment for me is in Visitor in San Diego by the way.
#26
Saxbabe
-
- Members
-
- 608 posts
Regular Poster
- Gender:Female
- Location:Texas
Posted 22 January 2008 - 03:40 AM
Oh yeah, of course they do.
I remember where I read an interview with McNeely about Virus, that the male "Russian" choir employed in that score is not actually singing in Russian, because he didn't know any - they are singing the names of his family and the producers etc., backwards.
I always like the obvious nods to certain other composers too, quotes and such, that is often in fun (unless perhaps, you are Horner). Like JNH's homage to Herrmann in the Main Titles of Signs. I always smile at that.
I remember where I read an interview with McNeely about Virus, that the male "Russian" choir employed in that score is not actually singing in Russian, because he didn't know any - they are singing the names of his family and the producers etc., backwards.
I always like the obvious nods to certain other composers too, quotes and such, that is often in fun (unless perhaps, you are Horner). Like JNH's homage to Herrmann in the Main Titles of Signs. I always smile at that.
"He used to down an entire bottle of firewhisky, then run onto the dance floor, hoist up his robes, and start pulling bunches of flowers out of his--"
"Yes, he sounds like a real charmer"
"Never married, for some reason."
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Only music can make the audience believe what they see. Only music can make fantasy reality." - John Williams
"Yes, he sounds like a real charmer"
"Never married, for some reason."
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Only music can make the audience believe what they see. Only music can make fantasy reality." - John Williams
#27
Romão
-
- Members
-
- 9061 posts
Benfiquista
- Gender:Male
- Location:Espinho, Portugal
Posted 22 January 2008 - 06:50 PM
Nocturnal Activities.
The Keyboard is mightier than the sword
#28
Miguel Andrade
-
- Members
-
- 4241 posts
John Williams know it all
- Gender:Male
- Location:Portugal
Posted 22 January 2008 - 11:27 PM
"It's a Bird" is a classic.
Miguel Andrade
[url="http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html"]http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html[/url]
e-mail: miguel.jw@gmail.com
----------------------
"I owe a tremendous debt of gratitute do John Williams. Without his music, Superman's powers are greatly deminished. Believe me, if you try to fly without that theme, you go nowhere... one step, two steps and... down!" -- Christopher Reeve, May 1993
"John Williams will go down as one of the greatest composers." -- Leonard Slatkin, american conductor
"Ah yes, the Olympics. The quadrennial event where composer John Williams collects a hefty royalty check from NBC."
"Music is not a luxury but a necessity" - Robert Shaw
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." -- Albert Einstein
[url="http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html"]http://johnwilliams.jw-music.net/index.html[/url]
e-mail: miguel.jw@gmail.com
----------------------
"I owe a tremendous debt of gratitute do John Williams. Without his music, Superman's powers are greatly deminished. Believe me, if you try to fly without that theme, you go nowhere... one step, two steps and... down!" -- Christopher Reeve, May 1993
"John Williams will go down as one of the greatest composers." -- Leonard Slatkin, american conductor
"Ah yes, the Olympics. The quadrennial event where composer John Williams collects a hefty royalty check from NBC."
"Music is not a luxury but a necessity" - Robert Shaw
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." -- Albert Einstein
#29
skyy38
-
- Members
-
- 159 posts
Regular Poster
Posted 23 January 2008 - 12:17 AM
I believe that at least 75% of composers past and present HAD to have a sense of humor,in order to deal with all of the BS inherent in their calling.
That being said,can anyone find Michael Kamens indian music in Die Hard 2?
Makes me laugh everytime...
That being said,can anyone find Michael Kamens indian music in Die Hard 2?
Makes me laugh everytime...
#30
Quint
-
- Members
-
- 21129 posts
Let's cook
- Gender:Male
- Location:The Black Lodge
Posted 25 January 2008 - 10:56 PM
I don't know about other composers (bar Jerry Goldsmith who's humour vein was oh so apparent), but JW clearly has a very healthy sense of humour, as demonstrated in Nocturnal Activities and No Ticket to name but two. The latter being a particularly dry piece - extremely appreciated by someone like myself.
#31
Marian Schedenig
-
- Members
-
- 18863 posts
Miss the Point
- Gender:Male
- Location:Vienna, Austria
Posted 25 January 2008 - 11:29 PM
Some of Williams' codas are quite funny, when he lets a big bold action piece just dissolve into nothing.
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
