Episode 414: Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone & Jerskin Fendrix On The Music Of Poor Things
Feb 5, 2024
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Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and Jerskin Fendrix discuss the collaboration on the film 'Poor Things'. They talk about using a composer for the first time, the resurrection of the lead character in Victorian London, and the emotional impact of the music on the narrative.
Yorgos Lanthimos used a composer for the first time, merging pre-existing music with original compositions.
Jerskin Fendrix's pop music background brought a diverse sound to 'Poor Things' before filming.
The music in the film mirrors Bella's growth from naivety to maturity, reflecting her internal emotions.
The collaborative efforts in film music composition created a harmonious blend of music, visuals, and sound design.
Deep dives
The Intricacies of Creating Film Music
The podcast episode delves into the unique collaboration between Jorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and composer Jerskin Fendrix for the film 'Poor Things'. Jorgos discusses his first-time use of a composer, highlighting the challenges of merging pre-existing music choices with original compositions. Jerskin's background in pop music brought a fresh and diverse sound to the film, with the music being created before filming, adding a unique dimension to the storytelling.
The Evolution of Bella's Character Through Music
The conversation explores how the film's music evolves with Bella's character. The collaboration between Jerskin Fendrix and Emma Stone brought a childlike and vulnerable quality to Bella's journey. The music reflects Bella's growth and experiences, transitioning from simple and diatonic melodies to complex, emotionally resonant compositions. The score mirrors Bella's development from naivety to maturity, intricately interweaving her internal emotions.
Creating Dialoguing Music for Dance Sequences and Plot Development
The podcast addresses the role of music in dance sequences and plot development. The discussion centers on how music sets the tone for non-verbal storytelling, like the impactful dance sequence in the film. The music for these scenes was crafted to mirror Bella's emotional journey and interact with the narrative, enhancing the storytelling experience. The choreography, music, and performances intricately blend to convey character dynamics and pivotal plot moments.
The Power of Sound Design and Cinematic Atmospheres
The episode emphasizes the significance of sound design and cinematic atmospheres. The collaboration between Jerskin, the composer, Johnny Byrne, the sound designer, and Jorgos Lanthimos ensures a seamless integration of music and soundscapes. The podcast highlights the meticulous approach to creating a sonic landscape that immerses audiences in the film's world, balancing music, silence, and sound design to enhance storytelling.
Collaboration and Creative Freedom in Film Music
The podcast explores the collaborative process and creative freedom in film music composition. The conversation showcases the trust and independence given to the composer and the collaborative efforts between the director, composer, and sound designer. The collective passion and belief among the team members led to a harmonious blend of music, visuals, and sound design, enriching the storytelling experience of 'Poor Things'.
Music as a Narrative Device and Emotional Anchor
The episode discusses the intricate role of music as a narrative device and emotional anchor in 'Poor Things'. The conversation highlights how music subtly conveys internal emotions, foreshadows plot developments, and complements character arcs. The podcast sheds light on the deliberate musical choices that reflect character dynamics, thematic elements, and the evolving journey of Bella within the film. Music acts as a powerful storytelling tool, enhancing the audience's engagement and emotional connection.
Impact of Music on Set Atmosphere and Performance
The podcast delves into the influence of music on set atmosphere and performance. The conversation reveals how music was played on set to guide actors and enhance the immersive experience. The collaborative efforts between the composer, director, and producer created a cohesive vision that transcended music into an integral storytelling element. The strategic use of music on set enriched performances, evoked emotions, and contributed to the film's distinct atmosphere and narrative depth.
We have a Poor Things double-header for you today, as first Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone join me to discuss their collaboration on the film, before their composer Jerskin Fendrix. As well as producing the film, Emma stars as Bella Baxter, a young woman in Victorian London , who is resurrected by a scientist following her suicide and embarks on an odyssey of self-discovery. It's the first time Yorgos has used a composer in the conventional sense, and also the first time Jerskin has written for film.
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