The Mesmerizing Melody of Stephen King's 'It'
Imagine a world where every heartbeat is synchronized with an unseen melody that perfectly captures the essence of fear and excitement. This is the magic of the soundtrack for 'It', the spine-chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. Composed by the talented Benjamin Wallfisch, this masterful collection of music was released in 2017, serving as the auditory backbone of the film’s eerie yet exhilarating story.
Whether experienced in a darkened cinema or from the comfort of home, the soundtrack to 'It' goes beyond mere background noise, transporting listeners into the unsettling world of Derry, Maine, where a group of children confronts their deepest fears embodied by the terrifying Pennywise.
A Harmony of Horror and Adventure
Benjamin Wallfisch, a composer known for his work on films such as Blade Runner 2049 and Shazam!, brings a unique blend of classical and electronic elements to the soundtrack of 'It'. His approach provides an audibly rich landscape that evokes both the innocence of childhood and the creeping dread that permeates the narrative.
The soundtrack's instrumentation features haunting piano solos, intense string quartets, and reverberating electronic bass, giving it a timeless quality that appeals to audiences both young and old. One can detect influences from John Williams and Hans Zimmer, yet Wallfisch’s distinctive voice shines through, offering a dynamic range that shifts effortlessly between the moments of quiet suspense and full-blown terror.
Track Highlights: Emotional Highs and Lows
Each track in the 'It' soundtrack captures the emotional spectrum of the film. Here are some standout tracks that encapsulate Wallfisch’s genius:
“Every 27 Years”: This track immediately sets the tone for the cyclical nature of fear and evil that resurfaces with sinister intentions.
“Derry”: Named after the small town where the story unfolds, this track beautifully combines elements of unease with the quaintness of small-town life, capturing the duality of a seemingly picturesque setting.
“Come Join the Clown”: The music here becomes a cacophonous invitation to chaos, reflecting Pennywise’s malevolent influence over the town.
“Blood Oath”: A poignant piece that encapsulates the unbreakable bond between the children, this track combines hope with a sense of impending danger, reminding listeners of the stakes involved.
Why This Soundtrack Resonates
Why does this soundtrack leave such a lasting impression? Well, it's because Wallfisch’s composition taps into our primal fears, often unseen yet omnipresent. By striking a balance between moments of quiet reflection and loud, terrifying crescendos, the soundtrack mirrors our natural oscillation between calm and fear. This makes it not just a companion to the film, but a standalone auditory experience that can evoke the same feelings of suspense and curiosity all by itself.
The Science of Sound: How Music Amplifies Fear
Music has this incredible ability to affect our emotions and even our physiology. When you hear a suspenseful track, your heartbeat quickens, your muscles tighten – you experience a visceral reaction. This soundtrack leverages these neurological responses, essentially playing our emotions as skillfully as any instrument. It's this scientific magic that allows music to induce a state of fear, empathy, or nostalgia, often amplifying what we see on screen.
Benjamin Wallfisch’s use of varying tempo and minor tonalities are crucial for setting an unsettling tone. His choices reflect a profound understanding of psychoacoustic principles—the science of perceived sound—which engage our brains in fear and anticipation.
A Soundtrack for Humans by Humans
What makes music such a powerful tool for storytelling and emotion is its emotional accessibility. It speaks to everyone, transcending language and culture. 'It' represents a labor of love not just between the musicians and composers but with the audience who listens and feels.
Wallfisch himself has expressed his desire to tap into the humanity of the story. The soundtrack for 'It' expertly weaves in motifs representing the courage and vulnerability of childhood, reminding us of our instincts to face our fears head-on. This optimism, woven through each note, is a testament to what makes us uniquely human—our resilience and capacity for hope even amidst darkness.
An Optimistic Conclusion in Fear’s Midst
While inhabiting a world of horror, the 'It' soundtrack isn’t only about fear. It's also a musical exploration into the resilience of the human spirit. In Wallfisch's hands, music morphs into an optimistic force, breathing life into the shadows and reminding us of the courage lurking within fear.
Music enthusiasts and film buffs alike continue to study and enjoy the soundtrack of 'It', finding in it a source of artistic inspiration and emotional depth. This auditory masterpiece serves as both a tribute to Stephen King’s original narrative and a standalone symphony, giving each listener a reason to revisit the haunting streets of Derry with renewed interest.