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My new YouTube series. Light-hearted and accessible video essays on the musical score and soundtracks of some of my favourite films. Each episode is half essay, and half a play-through and discussion of my MIDI recreations of one of my favourite cues from each score.

32:05

Why did ANNIHILATION'S ambient score feel so WEIRD?

Scoring Points: The Echo Chamber - On the Music of Annihilation (Episode 8) N.B. a day after uploading this I considered a point that the Acoustic Guitar cue is the shimmer drawing on Lena's love of/connection to the Crosby Stills and Nash tune, creating a contorted double of that aspect of her outside life inside the shimmer, as it does with her house etc. but interdiegetically with her preferred music. The importance of this cue is explored more directly, as is the doubling visual motif, but I WISH I made this connection in time. But better late than never... In this episode, we explore the positively WEIRD score for Annihilation (2018), composed by Geoff Barrow (Portishead, Beak) and Ben Salisbury. Discover how their collaborations with Alex Garland use electronics, ambience and orchestra to conjure the weirdest, most unique and atmospheric scores. 📅 Episode Chapters: 0:10 - Intro (Director/Composer duos) 1:14 - A meeting of minds (Boyle, Garland, Barrow & Salisbury) 3:11 - Script to screen 4:45 - How “ambience” generates atmospheric meaning 12:26 - The Sonic Prism - The Shimmer’s musical representation 18:58 - Genre and instrumentation considerations for scene setting 22:12 - Hypereality via the Hyperorchestral 24:11 - The Alien - Soundtrack interplay with Moderat 30:20 - In Sum 🔔 Join the Conversation! What’s your favourite Barrow and Salisbury score? Share your thoughts on ANNIHILATION in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more film score deep dives and MIDI recreations. #annihilation #GeoffBarrow #BenSalisbury #AlexGarland #FilmScore #VideoEssay #VideoEssay #MusicAnalysis #FilmAnalysis Literature References • Casanelles, S. (n.d.) The hyperorchestra: A study of a virtual musical ensemble in film music that transcends reality. = • Riedel, F. and Torvinen, J. (eds.) (n.d.) Music as atmosphere: Collective feelings and affective sounds. = • Bruhn, J. and Hart, H. (n.d.) ‘Melting, blurring, moaning: Annihilation as narrative adaptation to planetary crisis?’ in Riedel, F. and Torvinen, J. (eds.) Music as atmosphere: Collective feelings and affective sounds. [Publisher details needed], pp. = • Zingaro, V. (n.d.) ‘Against music? Heuristics and sense-making in listening to contemporary popular music’. =. • Warner, R. (n.d.) The rebirth of suspense. • [Juliet Shooter] (2022) [Australian Aboriginal Didgeridoo]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aloRD_4AXDQ • [Orchestral Tools] (2025) [Svara: Interviewing a tanpura virtuoso]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l_Ife6lFUY

31:46

How this score honoured VANGELIS (and what Jóhannsson would have done differently)

34:06

How the music of 'ARRIVAL' works

🎶 Scoring Points: Post-Determined - On the Music of Arrival (Episode 3) 🚀 Let's explore the score for Arrival! Join me in this episode as we explore the deeply emotional and complex score of Arrival (2016), composed by the brilliant Jóhann Jóhannsson. We’ll dive into the unique techniques that make this score a perfect match for Denis Villeneuve’s visionary storytelling, blending minimalism with neo-classicism to create a haunting sonic experience. 📅 Episode Highlights: • 00:00 - Introduction • 1:13 - Arrival: A New Kind of Sci-Fi Score • 2:06 - Reality Making • 3:00 - Exploring Neo-Classicism in Film Scores • 4:06 - Director as Auteur, Composer as Muse • 6:54 - Jóhannsson’s Sonic Signature • 10:20 - A Meta Enigma: Music and Meaning • 11:27 - Language, Voice, and the Sound of Communication • 14:58 - Strings: Evoking Melancholy and Chaos • 18:51 - Summary • 20:18 - Midi Mockup: “One of Twelve” 🎧 What to Expect: We’ll break down some of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s groundbreaking compositional techniques from Arrival and beyond, highlighting how his use of strings, voice, and minimalist motifs create an atmosphere of both melancholy and mystery. Plus, I’ll share my MIDI mockup of the cue “One of Twelve,” recreated in Logic Pro X, where we’ll explore how Jóhannsson built tension and emotion through sound. 📚 Further Reading: Curious to learn more? Check out the literature references for fascinating discussions on film adaptations, auteur theory, and how Jóhannsson redefined modern film scores. 🔔 Don’t Miss Out! If you love exploring the art of film music and want to dive deeper into the scores behind your favorite movies, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications! Let’s discuss the power of music in storytelling—leave a comment below with your thoughts! #Arrival #JóhannJóhannsson #DenisVilleneuve #FilmScore #MusicAnalysis #VideoEssay #JohannJohannsson Literature References: Arrival — Examining an Adaptation. (2017). YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTxvzkwVsQE. Willems, P. (2023). Who Is Killing Cinema? – A Murder Mystery. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQF82Kj-v0E. Hill, A. (2017) Scoring the screen: The secret language of film music. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. Editors on Editing: Arrival - Joe Walker, ACE. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxHOErwS9Bg. Fauria, K. (2023). Book Review: ‘Hitchcock’s Blondes’ wants to see old Hollywood stars not through the director’s gaze. [online] The Independent. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/alfred-hitchcock-ap-tippi-hedren-hollywood-b2426632.html [Accessed 28 Mar. 2024]. Jóhann Jóhannsson - Arrival (Trailer). (2016). YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsaRJ4j4xIo. #arrival #tedchang #denisvilleneuve #johannjohannsson #dune #sicario #filmscore #videoessay

39:52

Why these composers were PERFECT for the GWTDT

27:05

What makes Elfman’s SCISSORHANDS score so darkly Christmassy?

[Disney is evil. Copyright is complicated. So apologies for a relatively small number of clips from the film. I hope you still enjoy the discussion] 🎶 Scoring Points: Gothic Christmas - On the Music of Edward Scissorhands (Episode 6) In this episode, we explore the enchanting (literally) score of Edward Scissorhands (1990), composed by the legendary Danny Elfman. From its wistful melodies to its iconic choir, discover how Elfman and Tim Burton’s collaboration crafted a Christmassy soundscape that feels as magical and melancholic as the story itself. 📅 Episode Highlights: 00:51 - Intro - Burton and Elfman 04:02 - The Unconventional Christmas 07:31 - Christmas Sonorities - How They're Made 12:00 - Gothic Christmas - Score Breakdown 16:07 - The Horror of Suburban Mundanity 19:50 - Darkness and Light 24:18 - In Sum 🎧 What to Expect: Join me to discuss the artistry of Danny Elfman’s score for Edward Scissorhands. We’ll explore how Christmas codes developed in both classsical and pop music, to uncover the secrets behind Elfman’s signature sound, and look at his enduring collaboration with Tim Burton. 🔔 Join the Conversation! What’s your favorite Danny Elfman score? Share your thoughts on Edward Scissorhands in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more film score deep dives and MIDI recreations. #EdwardScissorhands #DannyElfman #TimBurton #FilmScore #VideoEssay #ChristmasMagic #ChristmasMusic #ChristmasFilm #ChristmasFilmScore Literature References 1. Morrell, B. (n.d.) How Film and TV Music Communicate, Vol. 1. Available at: https://brianmorrell.co.uk/book1/HOW_FILM_AND_TV_MUSIC_COMMUNICATE_VOL.1.pdf (Accessed: 14 December 2024). 2. London, J. (2004) Hearing in Time: Psychological Aspects of Musical Meter. New York: Oxford University Press. 3. Hill, A. (2017) Scoring the Screen: The Secret Language of Film Music. Montclair: Hal Leonard Books. 4. Cinema Music Editors (n.d.) ‘About Danny Elfman’, Cinemusic.net. Available at: https://elfman.cinemusic.net/about_elfman.html (Accessed: 14 December 2024). 5. Thibeault, M.D. (2015) ‘A composite theory of transformations and narrativity for the music of Danny Elfman in the films of Tim Burton’, Kansas University ScholarWorks. Available at: https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/entities/publication/e5880eea-f1f9-4919-ad45-24d63b6d5fbd (Accessed: 14 December 2024). 6. Thibeault, M.D. (2023) ‘A composite theory of transformations and narrativity for the music of Danny Elfman in the films of Tim Burton’, Academia.edu. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/91527892/A_Composite_Theory_of_Transformations_and_Narrativity_for_the_Music_of_Danny_Elfman_in_the_Films_of_Tim_Burton (Accessed: 14 December 2024). 7. Miller, S. (2011) ‘Variations on a theme of Elfman: Danny Elfman’s music in Tim Burton’s films’, Core.ac.uk. Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/217212791.pdf (Accessed: 14 December 2024). 8. Garcia, J. (2017) Variations on a theme of Elfman: Danny Elfman’s music in Tim Burton’s films. University of Zaragoza. Available at: https://zaguan.unizar.es/record/62589/files/TAZ-TFG-2017-2387.pdf?version=1 (Accessed: 14 December 2024). 9. Donnelly, K.J. (2001) ‘Classical film score forever’, in Donnelly, K.J. (ed.) Film Music: Critical Approaches. London: Routledge, pp. 156–170. Available at: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203349847-12/classical-film-score-forever-donnelly (Accessed: 14 December 2024). 10. Sideways (2018) Why Home Alone is the Best Christmas Soundtrack Ever https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jvQGGbq1MFE&t=535s

30:16

The musical minimalism of 'THE MATRIX’

🎶 Scoring Points: The Looking Glass - On the Music of The Matrix (Episode 1) 🚀 Let's explore the Score for The Matrix! Join me in this deep dive into the iconic film score of The Matrix (1999) composed by Don Davis. In this episode, we’ll explore the intricate compositional techniques that make this score a cinematic masterpiece. From the minimalist influences to thematic development, discover how Davis crafted the soundscape that defines the film. 📅 Episode Highlights: • 00:00 - Introduction • 0:50 - The Matrix • 2:06 - Minimalism in Film Scoring • 3:49 - The Intent of a Film Composer • 6:15 - Themes and Motifs (Musical and Otherwise) • 10:34 - Action Scoring Techniques • 12:13 - Vocal Archetypes and Harmony • 16:16 - The Love Theme • 18:00 - Summary • 18:59 - Part II: Midi Mockup of “Ontological Shock” 🎧 What to Expect: We’ll listen to examples of Don Davis’ music as we analyze the score’s emotional depth. Additionally, I’ll share my MIDI mockup of the cue “Ontological Shock” created in Logic Pro X, putting into practice some of Davis’ groundbreaking ideas. 📚 Further Reading: For those interested in deeper exploration, check out the literature references in the description for academic insights on American minimalism and the art of scoring for film. 🔔 Don’t Forget to Subscribe! If you’re passionate about film music, composition, and the magic behind the scenes, hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications to catch every episode of Scoring Points! Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss how music transforms the cinematic experience. #TheMatrix #DonDavis #FilmScore #VideoEssay #MusicAnalysis #Minimalism #scoringpoints Literature References: Heckman, C.J. (2018) Volume I taking the red pill: An analysis of don davis’ score for the matrix volume II dracula: A ballet in Two acts, eScholarship, University of California. Available at: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3q27... (Accessed: 16 November 2023). Heisinger, B. (1989) ‘American minimalism in the 1980s’, American Music, 7(4), p. 430. doi:10.2307/3051914. Hill, A. (2017) Scoring the screen: The secret language of film music. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. Decoding the Music of The Matrix (2020). Sideways. 31 May. Available at: • Decoding the Music of The Matrix (Accessed: 16 November 2023). The Matrix: ‘Ontological Shock’ with brass sheet music (2018). Keith Polito. 17 August. Available at: • The Matrix: "Ontological Shock" with ... (Accessed: 16 November 2023).

34:25

How Thomas Newman scored WALL•E's joyful dystopia

🎶 Scoring Points: The Hopeless Romantic - On the Music of WALL•E (Episode 2) 🚀 Let's explore the score for WALL•E! Join me in this episode as we delve into the enchanting score of WALL•E (2008), composed by the brilliant Thomas Newman. We’ll explore the innovative compositional techniques that bring this Pixar masterpiece to life, showcasing how music enhances the film’s emotional depth and storytelling. 📅 Episode Highlights: • 00:00 - Introduction • 0:51 - WALL•E • 2:08 - Intertextuality and Quotation in Film Music • 4:21 - Understanding Anempathetic Music • 7:12 - Tonality and Key • 11:10 - Playfulness in Composition • 14:05 - The Art of Spotting • 14:55 - Waltz, Harp, and Romance & Lydian • 18:50 - Creating Space for Needle Drops • 20:25 - Summary • 21:22 - Part II: Midi Mockup of “The Axiom” 🎧 What to Expect: In this video essay, we’ll listen to examples from Thomas Newman’s score that illustrate the creative techniques he employs in WALL•E. Plus, I’ll share my MIDI mockup of the cue “The Axiom,” crafted in Logic Pro X, where we’ll put into practice some of Newman’s signature ideas. 📚 Further Reading: For those looking to dive deeper, explore the literature references listed in the description for insightful perspectives on Newman’s work and the art of scoring animated films. 🔔 Subscribe for More! If you’re a fan of film music and want to uncover the secrets behind the scores, hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications for more episodes of Scoring Points! Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s discuss how music shapes our cinematic experiences. #WALL•E #ThomasNewman #Pixar #FilmScore #VideoEssay #MusicAnalysis Literature References: Beato, R. (2022) The Thomas Newman Interview | Where Does THIS Music Come From? YouTube. 12 October. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnRoHPaTFqA (Accessed: 07 December 2023). Hill, A. (2017) Scoring the screen: The secret language of film music. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. Rizzo, F. (2019) Jerry Herman on his music from ‘WALL-E’, Showriz. Available at: https://showriz.com/blogcategoryreviews/2019/12/27/jerry-herman-on-his-music-from-wall-e (Accessed: 07 December 2023). Tran, K. (2023) Seventh chords: Intro to advanced songwriting, MelodyStudio. Available at: https://melodystudio.net/2023/02/25/seventh-chords-intro-to-advanced-songwriting/#:~:text=Dominant%20seventh%20chords%20are%20formed,create%20a%20sense%20of%20anticipation. (Accessed: 07 December 2023).

34:59

The hidden importance of Shirley Walker for FINAL DESTINATION and beyond

Scoring Points: By Design - On the Music of Final Destination (Episode 4) 🎥 Let's explore the score for "Final Destination" In this episode, we delve into the chilling score of Final Destination (2000), composed by the pioneering Shirley Walker. We explore how Walker’s work, often overlooked in discussions of great film scores, helped define the sound of modern horror with a unique homage to Herrmann — and some considerations of representation in the industry. 📅 Episode Highlights: • 00:00 - Introduction • 00:58 - A Horrorble History • 02:39 - Scoring on a Budget • 06:08 - The Underrepresented Female Composer • 07:39 - The Covert Score: Subtlety in Horror Music • 09:30 - Death Sound • 11:07 - Theory Time: Breaking Down Walker’s Techniques • 17:55 - Millennial Beats • 19:04 - Motivic Cells • 21:13 - In Summary • 23:14 - Part II - Midi Mockup of “Departure” 🎧 What to Expect: In this video essay, we break down Shirley Walker’s innovative techniques, from her use of motivic cells to her subtle blending of orchestral and synthetic elements. We’ll also discuss the broader context of female composers in Hollywood and how Walker’s work pushed boundaries without losing sight of her artistic vision. Plus, check out my MIDI mockup of “Departure,” recreated in Logic Pro X to bring her ideas to life. 📚 Further Reading: Want to dive deeper? Check out the literature references for more on the history of women in film scoring, the politics of the industry, and Shirley Walker’s underappreciated legacy. 🔔 Subscribe for More Musical Breakdowns! If you’re passionate about film music and want to discover the hidden gems of movie soundtracks, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications! Let’s talk horror music and beyond—drop a comment with your thoughts on Shirley Walker’s score. #FinalDestination #ShirleyWalker #FilmScore #HorrorMusic #MusicAnalysis #WomenInFilm #BernardHerrmann Literature References: Burlingame, J. (2016) Women film composers fight for an even score, Variety. Available at: https://variety.com/2016/music/spotlight/women-film-composers-1201843422/ (Accessed: 23 May 2024). Charlie BrigdenCharlie Brigden often spends his time in the dark recesses of the film music world (2021) [we are horror] how Shirley Walker musically rocked the 2000s, Daily Grindhouse. Available at: http://dailygrindhouse.com/thewire/we-are-horror-how-shirley-walker-musically-rocked-the-2000s/ (Accessed: 23 May 2024). Grills, M. (2019) Creating a more inclusive industry: The Alliance for Women Film Composers, Women Leading Change: Case Studies on Women, Gender, and Feminism. Available at: https://journals.tulane.edu/ncs/article/view/2415 (Accessed: 23 May 2024). Hayward, P. and Hill, M. (2021) ‘Hidden in the Mainstream’, Women’s Music for the Screen, pp. 64–77. doi:10.4324/9780429264924-6. Larson, R.D. (1998) ‘Interview with Shirley Walker’, Soundtrack Magazine. Wessman, C. (2022) How the synthesizer changed the way we listen to movies, Collider. Available at: https://collider.com/synthesizer-movie-scores-history-explained (Accessed: 23 May 2024). Wilcox, F. (2022) Women’s music for the screen: Diverse narratives in sound.