Choosing music for Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox
There was great interview today with music supervisor Randall Poster on Fresh Air on NPR.
So let’s talk about another Wes Anderson film you worked on, “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” which is a wonderful animated film about a family of foxes, and when – who are endangered both on the dysfunctional family level and on the enemy animals out to get them and enemy humans out to get them level. And at the end of the film, you use a great recording called “Let Her Dance” by The Bobby Fuller Four. It’s from the mid ’60s, and that group was most famous for the iconic song “I Fought the Law and the Law Won.”
How did you decide to use this record at the end of the movie?
POSTER: Well, this is one of those sort of special scenarios. That song that I played for Wes probably 10 years ago, and when we played it, we basically, we were listening to it, he said, you know, let’s put this one away, let’s lock it up in the safe. And so we had it and we’d been carrying it all these years and then finally there was the opportunity at the end of the movie to use Bobby Fuller. So Wes and I, we’re always working, and so – and we’re always sharing music and we find something and we sort of tag it and say, OK, this is something that we know we want to use somewhere, some day, and good fortune smiles upon us and we find what we think is the perfect moment. And so that’s how Bobby Fuller’s “Let Her Dance” ended up in “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”
GROSS: So I want to play it. And I’ll just like describe the scene. This is the end of the movie. Mr. Fox, played by George Clooney, in a voice by George Clooney, is in the supermarket and all the rest of the family foxes are there too. And so, you know, Mr. Fox is toasting about how they’ve survived and they’re going to survive, and even all the supermarket food that they have to eat now is fake food…
POSTER: Right.
GROSS: …they can make it work. And then they just all break out into this dance in the supermarket. And, of course, it’s all animated. It’s all beautifully animated. And so here is the song they dance to. This is The Bobby Fuller Four.
Relaxed Acoustic Grooves by Composer David Bradstreet
Here’s a bunch of new acoustic grooving tracks fresh from Canada’s David Bradstreet.
Stereo delayed psaltry, synth percussion, string pad, delayed percussion groove.
KEYWORDS:percussion groove
Electric guitar picked, bass, acoustic guitar strum, strings.
KEYWORDS:pensive Strat
Solo acoustic guitar, slow bluesy strum feel, sparse ending soft.
KEYWORDS:slow bluesy acoustic
Electric piano, piano, drums, bass, relaxed groove, strings.
KEYWORDS:relaxed
Piano, string bass, soft acoustic guitar strums, strings.
KEYWORDS:melodic piano theme
Percussion, flute, bass, acoustic guitar, xylophone.
KEYWORDS:happy worldy groove
Electric piano, drums, bass, trumpet melody, soft groove, acoustic guitar strum.
KEYWORDS:slow groove trumpet
Electric piano, percussion, marktree, bass, drums, xylophone, good groove.
KEYWORDS:medium groove, solid
Jazzy acoustic guitar groove, string bass, electric piano, soft jazzy drums.
KEYWORDS:jazzy acoustic
Flutes, percussion, psaltry, bass, pan flute, bells, koto, harp, marktree, pad
KEYWORDS:world music vibe
Psaltry, bass, synth pad, electric piano, drums, percussion, rainstick
KEYWORDS:medium groove
Electric guitar, piano, bass, drums, acoustic guitar strums, synth percussion.
KEYWORDS:slow, groove piano
Acoustic guitar strums, breathy synth pad, bass, drums, percussion.
KEYWORDS:relaxed groove
Electric piano, knees percussion, acoustic guitar, bass, drums.
KEYWORDS:knees, happy groove
Strings, piano, strong groove, bass, drums, strong build, very melodic, heroic.
KEYWORDS:heroic
Acoustic guitar strum, piano, handdrums, bass, drums.
KEYWORDS:lively groove
Piano, acoustic guitar, fretless bass, sax melody. 1:47
KEYWORDS:relaxed groove
Electric piano, bass, drums, ac guitar strum, strings, acoustic lead.
KEYWORDS:soft relaxed groove
Acoustic guitar, electric guitar rhythm and solo, bass, drums, shots at end.
KEYWORDS:bluesy shuffle
Acoustic guitar, piano, percussion, bass, electric guitar melody, drums
KEYWORDS:uplifting
Synth pad, piano, percussion, bass, flutes, rain stick
KEYWORDS:mysterious
Electric guitar lead, electric piano, bass, drums
KEYWORDS:edgy
Uptempo, piano, drums, bass, hammered acoustic guitar.
KEYWORDS:uptempo piano
Solo acoustic guitar, finger picked, pedalled low string.
KEYWORDS:nice acoustic groove
Acoustic steel and nylon guitars, soft percussion, synth pad.
KEYWORDS:melodic
Kalimba, electric guitar, flutes, strings, bass, percussion, drums.
KEYWORDS:kalimba, worldy
Acoustic guitar 4ths/chorused, soft percussion, bass.
KEYWORDS:pensive guitars
Acoustic guitar harmonics, electric solo, percussion, strings.
KEYWORDS:harmonics, mildly dark
Acoustic guitars, bass, 12 string, drums brushes, percussion.
KEYWORDS:lively acoustic
Solo acoustic guitar solo, soft wistful feel.
KEYWORDS:wistful guitar
Nylon string guitar, celli, strings, string bass, heartbeat.
KEYWORDS:strong melodic theme
Solo acoustic guitar
KEYWORDS:lively strum groove
Electric guitar strum, drums, hand drums, bass, electric guitars.
KEYWORDS:travelling feel
Solo acoustic guitar, pretty picked, rubatto, bluesy ending.
KEYWORDS:solo acoustic guitar
Acoustic 12 string strum, bass, percussion, drums, strings, melodic electric solo.
KEYWORDS:nice relaxed groove
Solo acoustic guitar, big strum, relaxed groove
KEYWORDS:lively strum groove
Acoustic guitar with percusion, soft, relaxing.
KEYWORDS:relaxed acoustic
The Soundtrack’s the Star – What Makes a Memorable Score?
An Overview of 6 Historic and Indelible Movie Soundtracks.
By Isabella Woods
In a world where CGI and 3D seem to dominate every movie, many modern moviegoers have forgotten just how important film scores are for creating mood, atmosphere and effects. While whiz-bang special effects have their place, often some of the most tense, memorable and emotional scenes in movie history are the result of the right music at the right time. Whether it’s a Hollywood production, a local commercial, or a YouTube video promoted by a viral marketing agency, the right music score can turn a piece of action or drama into something memorable, emotive and engaging.
For some films, while the images and drama have long disappeared from our memories, the score remains, awakening memories of what we’ve seen whenever we hear the film’s music. On some occasions, the music score becomes even memorable than the actors and plot and is Just as integral.
1. Jaws
Perhaps the most famous use of music, John Williams’ shark theme was incredibly simple, just alternating E and F notes played on a tuba. The result was not only suspenseful, but in Spielberg’s own words, “without it the film would not have been half as successful.” For most of the film, the score was the only representation of the shark. Special effect problems plagued the set, with the shark’s animatronics not functioning the way Spielberg had hoped. For most of the movie, Williams’ score was the shark, and the tempo of the two alternating notes generated all the suspense and terror that made the film a worldwide hit and launched the careers of both Stephen Spielberg and John Williams.
2. Psycho
In Hitchcock’s most notorious thriller, Bernard Herrmann’s famous score also provided terror and suspense. The infamous shower scene, which at the time had audiences fleeing the theatres in horror, is a testament to the power of a good film score. The reason audiences found the scene so disturbing was nothing to do with the visuals – the actual onscreen action only depicts the flash of a blade and Janet Leigh screaming – but Bernard Herrmann’s use of a screeching violin, which generated the true terror of the scene.
Hermann also helped generate the film’s pace and general atmosphere with the main music he composed for the film. A tense arrangement of two melodic lines, the music generates a threat of violence that while not actually present through the first twenty minutes of the film, keeps the audience anticipating it, which maximizes the suspension for when the action eventually does occur.
3. Lawrence of Arabia
Music not only generates tension and emotion but it can also invoke a sense of majesty and location. David Lean’s classic historical drama was one of the most picturesque movies of all time. Maurice Jarre’s magnificent film score, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied the epic landscapes and stunning cinematography to such an extent you can almost feel the desert heat and shimmering landscapes.
4. The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Another score that befits its setting perfectly is Ennio Morricone’s, who used gunfire, whistles and native Mexican chants to invoke a sense of time and place. Using different instruments to accompany the presence of the three main protagonists, Morricone’s score also helped generate character in Sergio Leone’s classic western, making viewers only too aware of who the good, the bad and the ugly were.
5. Godfather
The Nina Rota score in Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime drama is another of cinema’s most memorable pieces of music, and one of the most controversial. The operatic feel of the music fitted the movie perfectly. However, some of the score was not originally made for the film. Rota’s Love Theme, now so famous with its haunting violins and distinctly Italian feel, was originally used in a 1958 comedy called Fortunella. The music, however, has now become so synonymous with Godfather it would be hard to imagine the film without it.
6. Star Wars
Using a classical orchestra soundtrack in a science fiction action film was an odd juxtaposition, and yet John Williams’ music is now one of the most famous film scores of all time. While the film’s dialogue and characterization lacked depth, the music provided the much needed emotion, which helped shaped the warmth of the protagonists and the foreboding nature of Darth Vader and the Empire.
17 Magical, Cinematic, Fantastical, Wondrous, Positive Soundtrack Music for Presentations, Commercials and Video
Whenever someone talks about the big Hollywood blockbuster you hear the magical cinematic soundtrack swelling in your ears. The sound of that music conjures wonder, mystery, fantasy and that edge of your seat goosebumps feeling that automatically transports you to another time and space. Think of the great film scores by John Williams. They all have a magical quality that has come to define the cinema experience.
We’ve gathered a bunch of our favorite soundtracks from our Royalty Free Music Library to help you on your quest for wonder, imagination and magic! Go forth and wow your audience with your insanely great new products, services, films and videos.
Photo by Alice Popkorn
- Unfolding Vista
Soft and positive orchestral build-up to a blissful climatic peak
KEYWORDS:build-up, rise, climax, rapture, cathartic, blissful, bells, ending
Price: $34.95 - Christmas Night
This is an idyllic, festive song with glockenspiel and gentle choir sounds. It inspires wonderment and expectation.
KEYWORDS:innocent, Christmas, festive, holidays, children, Santa, gift, present, bell, music box, glockenspiel, fun, happy, sweet, dream, choir
Price: $34.95 - Mountain Caps Uplifting and a bit mysterious orchestral piece
KEYWORDS:slow, strings, brass, harp, cinematic, positive, mysterious
Price: $34.95 - In Santa’s Kingdom
Composer: Alex Khaskin
Fantasy loving Pleasant For Film and TV Orchestra boys choir acoustic piano jingle bells 41sec
Price: $34.95
- Magical Dream
- Home For Christmas
Composer: Andrew Ingkavet
Coming home...and for the holidays! Nothing quite so warm and wonderful as these beautiful moments. Piano Accordion Violin Glockenspiel Celesta Indonesia bells Pizzicato Cello.Price: $34.95 - Mrs Tinkle Composer: Sebastien Morawietz
Magical big Hollywood like Harry Potter meets Mrs. Doubtfire.Price: $34.95 - Pomegranates Composer: Andrew Ingkavet
A sweeping broad theme that evokes a wintery day Christmas Eve and the joy of the season.Price: $34.95 - Supermarket Morning Bright orchestral theme. Sunshine, morning, new day, happy and active.
KEYWORDS:fun, magical, light, orchestra, mallets, cheery, up-tempo
Price: $34.95 - Over The Pacific Lush, beautiful, full orchestra positive and picturesque
KEYWORDS:orchestra, lush, dramatic, powerful, positive, romantic, slow tempo
Price: $34.95 - Over The Alps Big cinematic orchestra and a solo trumpet
KEYWORDS:mid-tempo, strings, brass, harp, trumpet, positive, grand, cinematic, uplifting
Price: $34.95 - The Rose Cure Composer: Andrew Ingkavet
A sweeping passionate drama piece that's a tango but not the boring old school tango. Very cinematic. Think of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel come to life! Or perhaps a Jorge Luis Borges short story. Orchestral.Price: $34.95 - Winters Chill
Just in time for the holidays this piece embodies the magical chill that comes with the season. It features glockenspiel a soft choir and flowing harmonies reminding us how truly magical the holiday season is.
Price: $34.95 - Above The Clouds 1
Composer: Brian Thomas Curtin
An upbeat open and airy orchestral soundtrack with a magical majestic feel. Good for soaring panoramic images nautical and aviation footage inspiring presentations joyful retrospective montages romance or any positive uplifting media project.
Price: $34.95 - Above the Clouds 2 Composer: Brian Thomas Curtin
An upbeat open and airy orchestral soundtrack with a magical majestic feel. Good for soaring panoramic images nautical and aviation footage inspiring presentations joyful retrospective montages romance or any positive uplifting media project.
Price: $34.95 - Extra Terrestrial
Composer: Emmett Cooke
The stars come into view as you move through space. This majestic and enchanted track suggests to the listener feelings of space stars peacefulness heroicism and a magical mood
Price: $34.95 - The Mystic
Semi-orchestral mystical mysterious and haunting. Filmscore fantasy-adventure style with strings bells voices. Captivating magical and wizardry. Atmospheric and eerie. Tim Barton movie like.
Price: $34.95
This post is dedicated to the memory of the master of presentation(among so many other things), Steve Jobs, who passed away yesterday at 56. Rest in peace Steve! You will be missed!
2 step devil
Composer: Alister Lornie.
Bass guitar heavy, chilled groove. 2 Step beat dark in sound. Bass guitar leads 2 step drum groove into organ & rhodes chorus with filtered drums & synths; song has a strong authority throughout with an element of desperation a good bed for video games
Bass guitar heavy, chilled groove. 2 Step beat dark in sound. Bass guitar leads 2 step drum groove into organ & rhodes chorus with filtered drums & synths; song has a strong authority throughout with an element of desperation a good bed for video games
KEYWORDS:Bass guitar heavy, chilled groove. 2 Step beat dark in sound. Bass guitar leads 2 step drum groove into organ & rhodes chorus with filtered drums & synths; song has a strong authority throughout with an element of desperation a good bed for video games