In a class I had today we saw a history short movie/documentary about The Renaissance and Italy and to my surprise when the credits were rolling at the beginning of the movie I noticed the music was composed by Bruno Alexiu and some other guy. Never heard anything of him except L'Enfer, didn't really pay attention to the history movie.
In a class I had today we saw a history short movie/documentary about The Renaissance and Italy and to my surprise when the credits were rolling at the beginning of the movie I noticed the music was composed by Bruno Alexiu and some other guy. Never heard anything of him except L'Enfer, didn't really pay attention to the history movie.
Was it Mark Hillman by any chance?
You can check the composer's website for samples of his work.
Whoa! After all the big releases in the last 6 months I can't believe I received this as a birthday gift that long ago and it literally fell between the cracks, between two boxes. Having seen this film (in a theater) and being knocked out by it I should have dug it up sooner. The film is literally an aborted movie by Henri-Georges Clouzot, the director of the classic films WAGES OF FEAR and DIABOLIQUE. And they ARE classics ( I can't tell you how many filmmakers have borrowed from these two). L'ENFER would have been his first in color and experimental as hell. But experimental in 1964 is absolutely comprehensible today. A psychological thriller going into the heart of darkness and paranoia.
But what is really cool is the score that is totally jazz retro. I am usually pushing for something new but this film screams for retro. So for those who miss the jazz strains of Kenyon Hopkins, Johnny Mandel or Leith Stevens or France's Michel Legrand and Paul Misraki give a listen. The main theme is one of the smokiest I have heard in a long time. And the theme for the young Romy Schneider is haunting. Since the film is about the filmmaker it has a melancholy quality and yet it also goes for the edgy paranoia of the main character with some cool modern writing during scenes from the movie that WERE shot. The whole thing is pretty tricky to pull off but it comes through as a varied and atmospheric piece. And this is real writing, not just some layered sustained notes as too many scores try to get away with these days. It is played by a 13 piece chamber ensemble with only instruments of the day, no synths.
I always have a bottomline for any film composer, even those I love. I have to FEEL what they are communicating. Sounds simple and a no-brainer, but I can't tell you how many times my favorite film composers get an assignment and rely on techniques used on previous films to get them through. The sounds are the same but I can tell they are not into it like the first time around. It isn't there. What is cool about this retro score is I can feel it.
Glad you enjoyed the score Morricone. Your enthusiastic comments are part and parcel of what made this a worthwhile endeavor for me. I'll pass on your comments to the composer. I'm quite certain that he will be pleased.
BTW - Here is what Randall D. Larson had to say about L'Enfer:
From its elegant opening through frothy jazz pieces and moody mysterioso, much of it dominated by piano, the score exudes a kind of sensuality and allure that would have fit the 1964 movie perfectly; as such it creates such a mood of nostalgia for Clouzot’s 1964 and effervesces with the jazzy delight of the period that it is a thoroughly captivating experience on CD.
Thanks again Morricone and thanks to everyone who encouraged me in this adventure.
Here is another notable opinion:
It really is like stepping back in time and hearing a great 60s score by any of the French greats of that time. This will be getting a LOT of play - best of any of the new CD scores I've heard in months and months.
It's also beautifully produced and recorded.
Bruce Kimmel AKA haineshisway, FSM board – The Return of Now Playing, September 23, 2011
I can see why they all reacted so positively, he worked hard at getting just the right tone for a film that was both a piece of fiction and a documentary. And to top it off you can know nothing about the film and what was involved and it still works as music!
A good friend from the board... yes, Advise and Consent (Kevin) surprised me with a birthday present in the mail...
This score is WONDERFUL. Smoldering. Sultry. Literally, I just put this on a little while ago. It will remain in the player over the next several days.
Do yourself a favor and pick this up... Just marvelous.
