Imagine yourself walking down a dark, eerie street with ominous shadows cast by flickering street lights. A soft, haunting melody plays in the background, sending shivers down your spine. This is the musical magic that Benjamin Wallfisch conjured with his masterful soundtrack for the 2017 film, 'It'. In the quaint yet ominous town of Derry, Maine, we meet a menacing shape-shifting clown named Pennywise. 'It', based on Stephen King's spine-chilling novel, was directed by Andy Muschietti and hit the screens in September 2017. The question you're undoubtedly asking is: why does the soundtrack matter? Because music has the power to both soothe and terrify, guiding the audience through the emotional rollercoaster that this particular horror masterpiece is known for.
First, let's talk spine. The soundtrack's role in 'It' is the backbone of the film’s atmosphere. Wallfisch's score both highlights the creeping dread that underlies the story and punctuates its terror-filled moments with precision. It's not just background noise; it's integral to the movie’s psychological hold on the viewer. The music doesn't just sit behind the visuals, it stands beside them, an equal partner in sheer terror.
Wallfisch crafted a soundtrack designed to pull the past to the present, utilizing a mix of orchestral arrangements and playful yet disturbing tunes that echo childhood's simple joys twisted into nightmares. His score doesn't follow the typical horror movie playbook—no jumping out of your seat from random loud noises here. Instead, it creeps in, lingers ominously, and builds an atmosphere that’s as terrifying as any special effect. How often do you notice music in a horror film? If you answered 'barely', it means it’s just good enough to be forgettable. Wallfisch's work is memorable without ever demanding explicit attention.
Secondly, it’s personal. Wallfisch voices the characters’ fears and traumas exquisitely through music, allowing us to peer into their psychological abyss. The theme for Pennywise isn’t just menacing; it sings of a devilish jester delighting in the torment of innocents. Each note narrates the characters' internal terror, and voicing it out allows the audience to connect deeper than most horror music aims to achieve.
You may wonder why politics should ever touch upon a horror movie soundtrack. Guess what, music speaks volumes about our society and how we interpret fear. Isn't it fascinating how the familiar can turn into a vessel for subliminal messages from the cinematic overseers? Ever noticed how a tune can unsettle you more than the monster on screen? This mastery is where the beauty—dare I say values—of a classic-score horror film shifts from obscure to overkill.
Now, let's dissect the symphonic juggle. 'It' adds layers with its sinister choral voices and rhythmic dissonance creating a cacophony that mirrors the chaos of being unable to trust your senses. When Wallfisch's compositions collide with the children’s scenes—often elevated by nostalgic 80s undertones—it blurs the line of innocence corrupted by evil. This emotional ride, a kaleidoscope of fear coupled with nostalgia, supercharges the movie's impact.
Interestingly enough, take note of the classic orchestration technique, balancing complex counterpoints with melancholic solo performances. These whisper more than they scream, allowing the audience to indulge in the unsettling elegance of avant-garde horror music. Wallfisch draws us into Derry not just through visuals, but through aural artistry that is beautiful, yet hauntingly effective.
Got to love how the musical genius here transports you. Imagine the scene of Georgie's paper boat floating down a drenched curb into the storm drain; the track ‘Paper Boat’ pulls you in, gently mocking safety with its innocence and underlying tension. The highlight? This tune, though gentle, pushes narrative structures often ignored in mainstream Hollywood's simplistic pursuit of horror for horror's sake.
The soundtrack elegantly threads its way through both childlike wonder and visceral horror, capturing themes of innocence lost and evil awakened. Wallfisch challenges listeners to confront and embrace audiences' fear of the unknown. Is it the clown or the anxiety of losing one's childhood that terrifies us?
Surrounded by modern filmmaking plagued by cheap thrills and lackluster narratives, 'It's' soundtrack stands out. The blending of musical intimacy and the story’s chilling undertones holds immense appeal for those that value depth and craft. Maybe this soundtrack represents factions of the audience who cherish authentic, well-crafted horror ambiance over the jarring flashes that often pass for suspense.
Playing devil's advocate, let’s test a hypothesis: could this soundtrack subconsciously act as a critique of our society? Where liberals might see superficiality, this score digs beneath, bridging human nature's darker anxieties with an honorable call back to orchestral traditions. Yes, a score that refuses to dilute the audience experience into palatable spoon-fed segments.
The charm of Wallfisch's score for 'It' somewhat lies in its contradiction; a delicate balance between light and shadow, calm and chaos. It’s an evocative journey through a sinister landscape mirrored by familiar childhood faces twisted by designs of dread. What's the verdict? Never underestimate music as a formidable force; in 'It', it is the specter that haunts long after the credits roll. Let it be a reminder that influence isn’t always in the line of sight; sometimes it resides in the realm of sound.