In Art of the Score, we dissect the greats of film music from top to bottom. For our first two episodes, we’re starting with John Williams’ 1981 score for Raiders of the Lost Ark, one of the most iconic collaborations between Williams and Spielberg. In episode one, we take a look at the themes of Raiders in detail – how they work, why they’re perfect for th ... Show More
Jul 2021
Episode 34: Studio Fanfares Part 1
You’re sitting in a darkened movie theatre, and the latest, highly anticipated blockbuster is about to play. The ads are over, the trailers are all done, and the lights dim. What’s this? Why, it’s Art of the Score Episode 34, as we investigate a fascinating and often-overlooked a ... Show More
1h 39m
Feb 2017
Episode 27: Jeff Nichols On The Music Of Loving, Midnight Special & Mud, Among Other Films
When you’ve made 5 movies that average over 90 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s fair to say you’re doing something right in the eyes of the discerning film fan.
Writer / director Jeff Nichols has done just that. From his debut Shotgun Stories to Take Shelter, Mud and Midnight Sp ... Show More
42m 18s
Jun 2022
The Best John Williams Theme
In honor of the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ season finale, Dave, Joanna, and Neil are celebrating one of the most important figures in ‘Star Wars,’ John Williams, by debating his best theme. First, they discuss their thoughts on ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ so far (4:13). Then, they begin the debate by ... Show More
1h 1m
Dec 2020
Home Alone: the Music (Part I)
In our first look at John Williams' score for Home Alone, we discuss the background of the project, and how it greatly influenced the score. We listen to a few leitmotifs, and discuss how they became songs for the film, and we examine their use in the film. Broad styles of Holida ... Show More
51m 14s
Dec 2019
Return of the Jedi: the Music (part III)
We conclude our listen to Return of the Jedi, and the whole classic Star Wars trilogy, with the Battle of Endor. Themes are discussed, as are moments where music was omitted. We explore more diagetic music with the Ewoks, and compare multiple versions of the film's ending. Learn ... Show More
1h 13m
Jun 2018
Jurassic Park: The Music (Part II)
Jurassic Park doesn't always function like a typical film score. In this episode, we discuss the role that music plays throughout the film. We also touch on the film's amazing sound design, the appearance of "Dies Irae," a breakdown of a theme for predators, and so much more. Le ... Show More
43m 33s
Oct 2021
A Comparison of Harry Potter Soundtracks - John Williams and Alexandre Desplat
This is a DEEP DIVE into the soundtracks of the Harry Potter films, and particularly The Philosopher's Stone, and The Deathly Hallows. I want to explore why these films sound so different from each other, what stylistic elements each composer favours, and the impact that these st ... Show More
59m 9s
Aug 2020
11: American Gangster, Part 1
Dave and Joanna talk about this fast-paced but very long film with so many cameos but maybe too many characters. Denzel gives a stellar performance as real-life gangster Frank Louis, but how much is real is up for debate . . . after all, gangsters aren’t known for being entirely ... Show More
50m 34s