Lets not dance around
the fact that music has a major influence in films. Whether its to
stylise like in Drive and Pulp Fiction or just some basic intro music
for Darth Vader, it has been a huge part of film screenings and film
theatre, way before recording actual dialogue was even imaginable,
and remains the emoutional backbone of any powerful film(s), like
Nolan's Batman Trilogy.
“Watching this unique
collaboration between two great talents has been constantly
fascinating and exciting. Their contribution to Batman Begins has
been immeasurable” - Christopher Nolan
Although it is later
slightly revamped and given more prominence in the sequels, the song
below is the theme that really blasted every punch and car chase
scene into the back of your memory to remain there until The Dark
Knight blew you away once again.
Regardless of how it
all started, Batman Begins was still a movie too steeped in
expectation and a pre-written origins story to do anything creative.
It has only been since The Dark Knight is there anything worth
mentioning when discussing the musics true impact on Nolan's Batman.
“I have admitted to
both Hans and James separately that one reason I was inspired to
revisit the world of Batman Begins was the extraordinary music they
created for that film. Music that perfectly captured the tone I was
seeking – energetic, but with grandeur – action, but with
emotion” - Christopher Nolan.
Even from that
beautiful tension building opening 1minute of The Dark Knight, you
can tell that the music has gone up a notch. No longer restrained by
what was expected from it, Nolan and co. were able to take everything
a step further, that little bit darker and a lot more intense.
Bane was not only the
highlight from the film but also from the music. Zimmer takes on this
much more underground, almost techno, sound along with an incredible
chant that keeps each of Banes scenes intimidating and powerful.
The way in which each
character has their own separate theme really helps accentuate the
iconography of Nolan's characters along with adding to their style,
their philosophies and their aura.
The music is another
leap from Tim Burtons batman, taking a more genre breaking approach
mixing electronics and orchestras as one, and an even further leap
from the satirical (ba-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-Batman) 80s batman.
Even leaving the dramatic fight scene trumpets in the 80s along with
it. Instead using minimal or no sound (first bane fight in TDKR for
example) to highlight the fight itself.
For what is considered,
for the most part, 'classical music' - the bane (excuse the pun) of
the popular music scene - it is incredible to see so much of the
soundtrack unanimously adorned by the masses. With Youtube view
counts to show it. Never before has a soundtrack been so fluid and
iconic throughout a series of films without sounding old and
outdated. With Zimmer's ground breaking ideas, his use of 'noises' as
music along with Nolan's open mind, you cant help be leave your jaw
dropped on the seat in front of you.
“So what are we doing
next Chris” - Hans Zimmer
