2022 has been a thrilling year for cinematic experiences, and one of the most exciting times we’ve had was with David Leitch’s Bullet Train. Federico and I were excited about it when we discussed our most anticipated films, but man did it deliver! Films these days tend to pander and not stray too far from sequel/prequel territory and it’s so good to get an original IP like this (and I bet the book is even better!). It’s just a fun time in the theater.
What was thrilling enough to watch on screen only marginally outshines the auditory journey on this white-knuckle actioner starring Brad Pitt. Composer Dominic Lewis has a wealth of experience on different projects and genres but this feature was like a mix of everything he’s done to date – it’s anything but an orchestral score. His approach was about as wild on paper as it is coming out of the speakers.
In a story about world-class hitmen from all corners of the globe, the sound that Lewis concocted plays up their different identities without being too on the nose, or play like a travelogue. He understood the multitude of genres (action, comedy, drama, mystery) as well as the layers and textures of this story. It allowed him to break the rules (but still sound cool) and mix musical styles that don’t normally go together.
Stings were tuned a certain way, horns were put too low and this Shinkansen-set murder thrill ride is propelled by guitars, bass and stacked up vocals as well as craftily produced source music. And Lewis’ ideas didn’t just give the film a sonic identity, it helped inform the narrative. So much so that his ideas let Leitch work the story around the music. Just wait to you hear him talk about the track ‘Bubbles’ and working with Engelbert Humperdinck.
There is a lot to get to including stories about cellos, ‘70s era jazz, Rupert Gregson-Williams and Hans Zimmer, bananas, Christmas films, West Elm and much more. So, ALL ABOARD, let’s get this train rolling. Ikuze!!
Ladybug (Brad Pitt) is an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe-all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives-on the world’s fastest train. The end of the line is just the beginning in this non-stop thrill-ride through modern-day Japan.
