Composer Giancarlo Vulcano has years of experience in television writing music for long running series. The trick, so he tells us, is to have a system to getting his cues put together. As Michael Giacchino told us long ago, TV is a non-stop grind. Writing music for film can be a thankless job. Moreover, what Vulcano shared with us is that the perception of being a composer doesn’t exactly line up with the reality. It’s still difficult using music to convey emotion that the audience should feel while looking at moving images, but the most comforting aspect of our exchange was that the creative process can yield many answers to…
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G-S-T Review…Uncut Gems
We’ve all seen plenty of after school specials and PSAs telling us that crime doesn’t pay, and tons of films where playing to and with criminals doesn’t end well…even in Guy Ritchie flicks. But why not throw a log another log on that fire? A few years ago, The Safdie Brothers (Josh and Benny) cast Robert Pattinson as the lead in Good Time. What. A. Ride. It’s been a decade since Daddy Lonlegs and The Black Balloon, and since then, they seem to enjoy and have found their niche taking everybody – from their lead actor, the uncomfortably put-upon supporting cast, and even the audience – through the ringer. Uncut Gems is very much in…
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G-S-T Review…Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Few franchises have such enduring longevity and cultural awareness as Star Wars. For those either brought up on the affairs in a galaxy far, far away, or new to the series, the anticipation (and expectation) of a saga-capping generation-defining final chapter have rarely been higher. And it’s not like the creative team didn’t know that going in. In parallel to the climatic battle between good and evil on screen, there exists a struggle with similar stakes happening behind the scenes. To some, a great many if we’re being honest, this film is less about what happens to our beloved characters. It’s more about whose stamp and style and understanding of…
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Sweet Trailer…’Top Gun: Maverick’
It’s been a long time since Tom Cruise took to the skies in Top Gun. After 33 years, this film joins the list of all the other properties from the ’80s seeing a remake, soft reboot, or a continued story line. How will this fare? Even as die hard fans of Tony Scott’s classic we’re a little on the fence. But you can’t argue with this trailer, especially seeing Tom Cruise in the cockpit. And we know Tom, right? He’s not going to be happy unless he’s going Mach 2 with his hair on fire. Well, with just a little luck, a little cold blue steel, he’ll cut the night like a razor blade…again. Facing…
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Interview…David Wingo Discusses Patriotism in ‘The Report’ and Sound Design in HBO’s ‘Barry’
The last time we spoke with David Wingo, he was wrapping up work on Loving, the latest in a series of continuous collaborations with friend and director Jeff Nichols. Their relationship has resulted in some standout music in films like Take Shelter and Midnight Special. Since then, Wingo has taken a crack at TV shows. Musicians don’t like being pigeon-holed, and lucky for Wingo that Kidding and Barry couldn’t be any further removed from each other. Last month, Scott Z. Burns‘ film, The Report, hit theaters (and is now on Amazon Prime). It’s a riveting thriller (based on actual events) that follows idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones who, tasked…
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Interview…Composer Rendra Zawawi on the Emotion and Empowerment of ‘M for Malaysia’
Rendra Zawawi is an award-winning composer, songwriter and music producer. He composed the song “Arena Cahaya” for the 2016 Malaysian sports football film, Ola Bola, which won Best Film Song at the 2017 Malaysian Film Festival and a Golden Horse Award for Best OriginalTheme Song at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival. Rendra’s credits include working with Emmy-winning composer Mac Quayle on shows including Mr. Robot, FEUD: Bette and Joan, 9-1-1, FOX’s Scream Queens and Netflix’s The Politician. Rendra also contributed additional music to American Horror Story and American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace. He most recently scored the drama documentary M for Malaysia, which was selected as…
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Exclusive: BBC/Netflix’s ‘Bodyguard’ Theme Remixed by Paul Hartnoll from Orbital
In what should be news to no one, Netflix’s original content has been steadily increasing in both quantity and quality. And if you’ve been keeping up, their TV shows have not only been binge-worthy, they are also exceptionally entertaining. One such show is Bodyguard. Today, we’re thrilled to offer an exclusive for fans of the show: a remix of the Ruth Barrett composed theme reimagined by Paul Hartnoll from Orbital. Ruth is a fan of Hartnoll, and if you remember The Saint theme they did then this is as welcomed as it is enjoyable. Have a listen to the track below… Ruth Barrett is one of the most sought-after film…
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Sweet Trailer…’No Time to Die’
Bond is back! MGM has released the first full trailer for the newest 007 film and it’s got us excited. And we’ve put up six character posters which look striking. No more words…just get to the good stuff. Enjoy! In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. Directed by Cary Fukunaga,this new…
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Interview…Michael Abbott Jr. on the Absurd Humor and Honest Characters in ‘The Death of Dick Long’
As far as actors go, Michael Abbott Jr. is as down to earth as they come. He’s a family man, a fine actor, and the kind of person you’d just enjoy having a beer with. He stars in Daniel Scheinert’s sophomore film, which, after Swiss Army Man, this is the only logical step for the director. Title notwithstanding, A24’s The Death of Dick Long is a strange film. It’s a crock pot full of themes and characters taking a swing at multiple genres – drama, noir, comedy – and knocking every pitch right out of the park. We spoke to Michael over the phone where he let on that the…
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Video Interview…Alisha Wainwright and Jason Ritter Discuss Themes and Characters of ‘Raising Dion’
This week, the stars of Raising Dion were in Dallas to promote their new Netflix show. It is so good! Adapted from a comic book of the same name, this is a wonderful and engaging story of a single mother dealing with her 8 year-old son, Dion, who just so happens to have super powers. There is a lot of heart in this sci-fi drama which is light and funny, but it also deals with some tough issues. Enjoy our time with Alisha Wainwright and Jason Ritter as we talk about the themes in the show, what they brought to their characters, and, of all things, funny ring tones. It…
