Alexandre Desplat - Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)

[DarthDementous 1,424]

1 hour ago, Once said:

I'm very surprised to learn he wrote and perhaps even recorded anything for Rogue One. I've honestly never heard about that.

 

I'm pretty sure that lovely little piece won him an Oscar, though. 

I was surprised too! Gordy Haab and Austin Wintory talked about it in their GameMaker's Notebook episode (wish I could remember what the timestamp was, it was part of their discussion about scoring for Battlefront and how Haab had to imitate a style of music he wasn't even allowed to hear, but honestly the entire thing is worth listening to, very insightful and entertaining): 

 

[WampaRat 1,734]

Listened to Desplat's Godzilla score again while working. I appreciate the acoustic nature of it. It's a well-composed contemporary symphonic score...and it still doesn't do much more me. Perhaps if I could pick out some more themes (anyone have a thematic breakdown?) I also haven't seen the film which might help me understand it a bit more. But outside of the choppy/lumbering motiff that show's up at the end of "Two Against One" and blossoms in "Godzilla!", I didn't really pick up on much. 

Had a similar experience with Valarian. All the ingredients are there for a stellar score, but his themes kinda just passed by me. There's a pretty catchy one that pops up in the first few tracks ("Big Market" I wanna say?). But then it just disappears. I assume its a location-specific motif of some kind? Haven't seen this film either. Does a score need straightforward themes to be brilliant? No. Just my personal listening preference.

If Desplat could pair his lovely orchestration and creativity with a more straightforward thematic approach for this Jurassic film, I think I would really enjoy it. I might be in the minority, but I thought Desplat pulled off that combination pretty well in his two Potter outings. 
 

[crocodile 9,130]

I don't think Godzilla particularly called for a very thematic score. There are some motifs and instrumental/vocal colours but you don't really get themes. But then, the original Godzilla didn't really have much either, outside of the now-famous march (which is quite similar in approach). It was also a very gloomy and moody score. In that sense, Desplat honoured it quite well. But I doubt he would do that in Jurassic Park.

 

I absolutely love the main titles. No wonder he often conducts this in concert (sometimes to picture):

 

 

 

 

Karol

[WampaRat 1,734]

I should finally watch this Godzilla movie. I remember the teaser trailer was really cool. 

[Jay 42,232]

3 hours ago, WampaRat said:

Had a similar experience with Valarian. All the ingredients are there for a stellar score, but his themes kinda just passed by me. There's a pretty catchy one that pops up in the first few tracks ("Big Market" I wanna say?). But then it just disappears. I assume its a location-specific motif of some kind? Haven't seen this film either.

 

Yup, it's theme specific to the Big Market location so that's why it goes away after the opening sequence.  A pity too, as its my favorite theme in the score

[Kasey Kockroach 2,494]

Apropos of nothing, why did Giacchino use the Lost World theme in that one cue in JW1? It has nothing to do with what’s happening and doesn’t feel like any sort of commentary. Just comes off like HEY REMEMBER THIS THEME OMG NOSTALGIA.

[a good little monkey 71]

22 minutes ago, Kasey Kockroach said:

Apropos of nothing, why did Giacchino use the Lost World theme in that one cue in JW1? It has nothing to do with what’s happening and doesn’t feel like any sort of commentary. Just comes off like HEY REMEMBER THIS THEME OMG NOSTALGIA.

 

I think I remember reading at the time that Giacchino just wanted to include a callback to THE LOST WORLD somewhere in the score. I agree that it doesn't make much thematic sense there but to be fair, I can't think of anywhere in the movie that it would be more appropriate and I understand the desire to include it, especially given Giacchino's history with THE LOST WORLD video game.

 

I think it's fine, and not nearly as jarring and out of place as something like the Ringwraiths theme showing up at the climax of the first HOBBIT film, for example.

[Evanus 407]

He could have waited and used it for a scene involving Malcolm in Dominion. It's not really his theme or anything, but he's the lead of TLW so it makes a bit more sense at least.

[Meredith McKay 7,783]

I think he used it there, because it works with that climbing "speeding up" sound, if that makes sense.

[MedigoScan 364]

4 hours ago, crocodile said:

I don't think Godzilla particularly called for a very thematic score. There are some motifs and instrumental/vocal colours but you don't really get themes. But then, the original Godzilla didn't really have much either, outside of the now-famous march (which is quite similar in approach). It was also a very gloomy and moody score. In that sense, Desplat honoured it quite well. But I doubt he would do that in Jurassic Park.

 

I absolutely love the main titles. No wonder he often conducts this in concert (sometimes to picture):

 

 

 

 

Karol

The main title theme is excellent, and I love how it gets that faster action reprise near the end.

[Stark 664]

I wouldn’t consider themes’ specific purposes to be so sacred in Jurassic Park, so I’m all for themes getting reused when they “feel right” even if it doesn’t make complete sense.

[Luke Skywalker 2,168]

Ah Rats!!! In kingdom of the crystal skull is worse.

 

 

and i love that score.

 

in fact that is the problem with all the late sequels. The call backs to old music is so copy-paste cuesheets that feel very unnatural or forced.

TOD, ESB, ROTJ, LC dont feel like that when they re-use music. Maybe its that they were already stablished scores when i heard them but i think that it is not 100% true.

 

[a good little monkey 71]

53 minutes ago, Luke Skywalker said:

Ah Rats!!! In kingdom of the crystal skull is worse.

 

 

The one that really gets me in KotCS is the "Grail Quest" theme at the end after the saucer departs. I almost get what they're going for, especially with the "somewhere your grandpa is laughing" line, but it's just so out of place and kind of cheapens the moment. I still listen to that score more than any of the other Indys but that part just drives me crazy.

[WampaRat 1,734]

1 hour ago, a good little monkey said:

 

The one that really gets me in KotCS is the "Grail Quest" theme at the end after the saucer departs. I almost get what they're going for, especially with the "somewhere your grandpa is laughing" line, but it's just so out of place and kind of cheapens the moment. I still listen to that score more than any of the other Indys but that part just drives me crazy.

When that theme showed up at the end of Crystal Skull it made me so ill and sad. What I had just witnessed felt nothing like the emotionally resonant payoff of Last Crusade. I didn't mind it so much in the beginning when they show Henry Sr's picture. And I get the connection that Williams was sorta using it as a "Jones Family Theme." But all it did was make me want to watch Last Crusade instead.

I've softened a bit on Crystal Skull over the years. But at that moment, the use of that theme was salt in a wound.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,494]

8 hours ago, WampaRat said:

Listened to Desplat's Godzilla score again while working. I appreciate the acoustic nature of it. It's a well-composed contemporary symphonic score...and it still doesn't do much more me. Perhaps if I could pick out some more themes (anyone have a thematic breakdown?) I also haven't seen the film which might help me understand it a bit more. But outside of the choppy/lumbering motiff that show's up at the end of "Two Against One" and blossoms in "Godzilla!", I didn't really pick up on much. 

Had a similar experience with Valarian. All the ingredients are there for a stellar score, but his themes kinda just passed by me. There's a pretty catchy one that pops up in the first few tracks ("Big Market" I wanna say?). But then it just disappears. I assume its a location-specific motif of some kind? Haven't seen this film either. Does a score need straightforward themes to be brilliant? No. Just my personal listening preference.

If Desplat could pair his lovely orchestration and creativity with a more straightforward thematic approach for this Jurassic film, I think I would really enjoy it. I might be in the minority, but I thought Desplat pulled off that combination pretty well in his two Potter outings. 
 

Rise of the Guardians?

[WampaRat 1,734]

@Kasey Kockroach. Ah that's another one I should revisit! I remember it coming out and I even watched the film way back when. Thanks for for the recommendation! 

[Kasey Kockroach 2,494]

14 minutes ago, WampaRat said:

@Kasey Kockroach. Ah that's another one I should revisit! I remember it coming out and I even watched the film way back when. Thanks for for the recommendation! 

Best Desplat I’ve heard so far! Though I think he’s bound to do better than Giacchino here and at least on Davis’ level.

[crumbs 15,456]

6 hours ago, Kasey Kockroach said:

Apropos of nothing, why did Giacchino use the Lost World theme in that one cue in JW1? It has nothing to do with what’s happening and doesn’t feel like any sort of commentary. Just comes off like HEY REMEMBER THIS THEME OMG NOSTALGIA.

 

Just be grateful they revised it for the film and didn't use the original cameo

 

 

Not sure which is worse – this, or that Force Theme cameo in Rogue One.

[Meredith McKay 7,783]

49 minutes ago, crumbs said:

 

Just be grateful they revised it for the film and didn't use the original cameo

 

 

Not sure which is worse – this, or that Force Theme cameo in Rogue One.

Rogue One. That one sounds like the orchestra ran out of steam and just meanders to the end, this just sounds like he stuck the end of the theme from Wind and the Lion on the TLW theme.

[artguy360 2,007]

14 hours ago, WampaRat said:

Listened to Desplat's Godzilla score again while working. I appreciate the acoustic nature of it. It's a well-composed contemporary symphonic score...and it still doesn't do much more me. Perhaps if I could pick out some more themes (anyone have a thematic breakdown?) I also haven't seen the film which might help me understand it a bit more. But outside of the choppy/lumbering motiff that show's up at the end of "Two Against One" and blossoms in "Godzilla!", I didn't really pick up on much. 

Had a similar experience with Valarian. All the ingredients are there for a stellar score, but his themes kinda just passed by me. There's a pretty catchy one that pops up in the first few tracks ("Big Market" I wanna say?). But then it just disappears. I assume its a location-specific motif of some kind? Haven't seen this film either. Does a score need straightforward themes to be brilliant? No. Just my personal listening preference.

If Desplat could pair his lovely orchestration and creativity with a more straightforward thematic approach for this Jurassic film, I think I would really enjoy it. I might be in the minority, but I thought Desplat pulled off that combination pretty well in his two Potter outings. 
 

I like Desplat's Godzilla theme quite a bit. I think it is both fitting for the creature and the movie and gets a few good highlights in the movie.

[crocodile 9,130]

10 hours ago, Luke Skywalker said:

Ah Rats!!! In kingdom of the crystal skull is worse.

 

 

and i love that score.

 

in fact that is the problem with all the late sequels. The call backs to old music is so copy-paste cuesheets that feel very unnatural or forced.

TOD, ESB, ROTJ, LC dont feel like that when they re-use music. Maybe its that they were already stablished scores when i heard them but i think that it is not 100% true.

 

You know what, that only started once he turned 70. At that age, it really becomes quite difficult to muster that kind of energy to do everyday stuff, let alone provide 2 hours for a huge blockbuster at ever-increasing post production speed. I just accept it for what it is.

 

Karol

[WampaRat 1,734]

9 hours ago, artguy360 said:

I like Desplat's Godzilla theme quite a bit. I think it is both fitting for the creature and the movie and gets a few good highlights in the movie.

Yeah I agree. I love how he seems to be tipping his hat to the Ifukube theme with it's choppy, irregular rhythm. I wish it showed up more. But as I understand it, Godzilla himself isn't present for much of that movie.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,494]

3 hours ago, WampaRat said:

Yeah I agree. I love how he seems to be tipping his hat to the Ifukube theme with it's choppy, irregular rhythm. I wish it showed up more. But as I understand it, Godzilla himself isn't present for much of that movie.

Bodes well for dinosaur screentime in this picture, don’t it? Gareth Edwards loves the people!

[WampaRat 1,734]

Haha. Im hoping Edwards holds back a bit on the dinos to build up the tension. Let them be mysterious again. But then don't forget the audience came to see them eat some folks!

[ddddeeee 485]

It feels nice to be excited for a summer blockbuster score again. It's been a while for me.

[Luke Skywalker 2,168]

19 hours ago, Meredith McKay said:

Rogue One. That one sounds like the orchestra ran out of steam and just meanders to the end, this just sounds like he stuck the end of the theme from Wind and the Lion on the TLW theme.

It just damned on me those repetive horn blasts remind me of "The wrecked ship" ending ...

[Matt C 507]

On 28/4/2025 at 10:52 AM, WampaRat said:

Listened to Desplat's Godzilla score again while working. I appreciate the acoustic nature of it. […]

If Desplat could pair his lovely orchestration and creativity with a more straightforward thematic approach for this Jurassic film, I think I would really enjoy it. [b]I might be in the minority, but I thought Desplat pulled off that combination pretty well in his two Potter outings. [/b]
 

I thought Desplat did a bang up job with Deathly Hallows, especially Part 1. He captured the darkness Yates brought to the series without losing the Williams style flair missing since Goblet of Fire. I actually listen to Desplat’s entries about as often as Williams’ Azkaban score now. Part 1 is stylistically beautiful while Part 2 is more simpler and more emotionally accessible.

 

I am hoping that Desplat uses Williams’ JP themes a bit more without losing that massive Godzilla sound. What I hear in the video sounds really impressive.

[Luke Skywalker 2,168]

On 29/04/2025 at 1:19 AM, WampaRat said:

When that theme showed up at the end of Crystal Skull it made me so ill and sad. What I had just witnessed felt nothing like the emotionally resonant payoff of Last Crusade. I didn't mind it so much in the beginning when they show Henry Sr's picture. And I get the connection that Williams was sorta using it as a "Jones Family Theme." But all it did was make me want to watch Last Crusade instead.

I've softened a bit on Crystal Skull over the years. But at that moment, the use of that theme was salt in a wound.

It should have been the "keeping up with the jonesses" theme really. And it would have made  sense.

 

 

 

 

BTW, just saw the toy of the new dinosaur-monster.

 

Fugly. The story rather be good, or i fear i will start to dislike the franchise in its new direction.

[Matt C 507]

On 24/4/2025 at 12:57 AM, crocodile said:

As much as I love orchestras, I could never quite understand why they need to be so gigantic for films. Doesn't feel to me that makes as much of a difference a lot of the time. But I suppose all the studio musicians at least get paid.

 

Karol

You wouldn’t be able to achieve that wall of sound for Godzilla if it was a 30-50 piece orchestra. If the score is heavy on the brass sections, the orchestra has to be sized appropriately.

 

A score for something like The Girl with the Pearl Earring or even The Ghost Writer is a different story. Those would probably sound identical with smaller ensembles and careful orchestration.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,494]

I hope this score gets a nice physical release. Surely Universal/Desplat have the money for that.

[a good little monkey 71]

Here's hoping:

 

 

[Anthony 799]

Now THAT I love! ^

[Alex 2,929]

If there’s anything in this half as good as the opening to “Ice Bear Combat” from The Golden Compass, then I will be satisfied.

[bored 563]

Or "Sky Battle" from Deathly Hallows Part 1. The mixture of new material and Williams' themes is genuinely pretty clever and subtle, while still being an exciting action piece on its own.

[Matt C 507]

On 7/5/2025 at 1:00 PM, bored said:

Or "Sky Battle" from Deathly Hallows Part 1. The mixture of new material and Williams' themes is genuinely pretty clever and subtle, while still being an exciting action piece on its own.

“Fireplaces Escape” is another DH1 track where I can hear the Williams JP/SW influence, particularly that brass cluster flourish at the end.

 

I imagine something similar in Rebirth with more tribal percussion and that raw Godzilla energy.

[WampaRat 1,734]

Just discovered this gem that came out in 2008 and flew completely under my radar. Wataru Hokoyama's score for the video game, Afrika.

I could see Desplat writing something like these cues for the new JW film. Even sounds like a good mix of his adventure sound paired with Williams. Great fun, this!

Also, the main theme is a blast. Full of that carefree adventurous sound that drew a lot of us into our love with scores!

 

[Luke Skywalker 2,168]

The guy who wrote it was a young composer, and i think he said Williams had been a great influence. I think he was a pupil of one of the Big holliwood composers while at the university.

[MarLo98 2]

https://youtube.com/shorts/_9F_Mnp0boU?si=T6T3e3SHhqjGXo2Y

 

First snippet from Jurassic World Rebirth’s soundtrack.

 

[tomsmoviemadness 4,179]

First official tease of the score!

 

 

[Quppa 270]

What an awkwardly abrupt cut they chose to make for the end of that clip.

 

Sounds like good action music to me. I wonder if any of it will be audible in the mix.

[tomsmoviemadness 4,179]

Edwards is usually good with the sound mixes in his movies, so fingers crossed

[Mysterio 34]

1 hour ago, tomsmoviemadness said:

First official tease of the score!

 

 

It sounds a bit like Giacchino's jurassic scores

[crumbs 15,456]

It certainly sounds like Desplat, but more in the vein of Giacchino's Jurassic action music than Williams'.

 

But it's such a short clip, hard to make any sweeping judgements at this stage.

 

Most importantly, it sounds pretty good!

[Meredith McKay 7,783]

1 hour ago, crumbs said:

It certainly sounds like Desplat, but more in the vein of Giacchino's Jurassic action music than Williams'.

 

But it's such a short clip, hard to make any sweeping judgements at this stage.

 

Most importantly, it sounds pretty good!

That high Trumpet part kinda makes me think of Williams, for example, Chase Through Coruscant, or Fight in the Dungeon.

[Richard P 4,735]

Sounds very Gia to me actually, although I'm not overly familiar with Desplat's post-Potter work.

 

And yes, why not just upload the entire track? Studios seem to be terrified about releasing fuller samples in advance of the album.

[Suro-Zet 18]

I love it. This track is close to how I imagined Desplat's music for Jurassic World would sound. See no similarities with Giacchino's music. Anyway, now after this track, I'm looking forward to the album even more.

[toothless 1,008]

3 hours ago, Quppa said:

What an awkwardly abrupt cut they chose to make for the end of that clip.

 

If I had to guess I'd say it's because it cuts right before a rendition of a classic Williams' theme  

[Luke Skywalker 2,168]

Sounds nice

[Anthony 799]

Yay, popcorn adventure music! It sounds exactly like what I'd expect from Desplat. And it's miles beyond most of the blockbuster garbage that comes out these days. I'm in!

[Tom Guernsey 3,191]

I can kinda hear why some get some Giacchino and JW (I mean, rationally, those channeled through Desplat is more or less what you might expect), but either way, it sounds very promising from a short clip. The one thing about Desplat's style is that, when it's blown up to blockbuster proportions, it still has a clean but detailed sound. He still uses strings and woodwind meaningfully in his action writing. It's not just percussion, brass and synths that sounds like it's written on a keyboard.