superhero movies have created a new norm for film scores that are so boring and forgettable because the only purpose the scores serve anymore is complementing explosions not help the story develop or set a tone. and the movies are just bad and composers have hardly anything good to work with. there are only two or three superhero movies that have had memorable scores in the last decade or so: the original avengers, captain america: the winter soldier, and black panther. hans zimmer’s wonder woman theme is is on its own and shouldn’t be counted. anyways superhero franchises have banished any sort of uniqueness and diversity between soundtracks within their franchises and out because other execs now think those stupid, boring soundtracks are what are gonna help their films make bank. and it’s fucking crazy that it works.
i think TV scores are starting to evolve into what film scores used to be. i haven’t seen a movie since black panther where afterwards i was like, “oh my god, i have to go listen to the soundtrack now.” i hated game of thrones season 7 but the score was incredible. the white walker battle scene with that final cello solo in “the night king” is the only thing that made that entire episode watchable. even if puppetry and fantasy isn’t your thing, the score for the dark crystal: age of resistance is enchanting and has those beautiful, complex leitmotifs that make classic scores like star wars and the lord of the rings so good. just listen to the opening title here and then the rest of the score and see what i mean. i’m obsessed with it as a listener and as a cellist. additionally, the score for the mandalorian (also by ludwig goransson of black panther) is captivating, memorable, and unique. the “hero” theme doesn’t sound like anything else i’ve heard. it’s funky and overtly star wars. i’d also like to throw in bear mccreary’s work on outlander because even though it’s a ridiculous show, the music is the best part. tv is just on a roll right now because there is much more creative freedom in the industry regarding storytelling and innovative filming.
while i’m not very excited for dune, i am excited to see what hans zimmer does with the score. because if you give hans zimmer a project like dune, which is a renowned sci-fi book with a ton of potential for memorable hero themes and setting themes, etc, like star wars, and he still isn’t given the creative freedom to make it what it should be, then my point is proven.
