Top Notch Movie Soundtracks of the 21st Century, thus Far
In the realm of cinematic art, few elements are as captivating as the music that accompanies our visual journey. Over the past two decades, some of the most renowned composers have graced our screens with their masterpieces, enhancing our emotional connection to the stories unfolding before us. Here's a snapshot of some of the most memorable film scores of the 21st century.
Hans Zimmer, the composer behind the awe-inspiring soundtrack for Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" (2014), has once again proven his prowess in the realm of sci-fi. For "Interstellar", Zimmer used a church organ to create a hauntingly beautiful score that echoed the vastness of space and the fragility of humanity.
Zimmer's collaboration with Lisa Gerrard on the soundtrack for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" (2000) was instrumental to the success of this historical epic. Their work won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, and the hauntingly beautiful 'Now We Are Free' became an iconic theme.
Another standout score is Dario Marianelli's work for the film "Atonement" (2007). The piece perfectly encapsulates the emotional journey of the characters, mirroring their trials and tribulations with a poignant melody.
Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross, and Trent Reznor's collaboration on the soundtrack for "Soul" (2020) earned them the Best Score at the 93rd Academy Awards. Their work, a blend of jazz, electronica, and orchestral music, beautifully complemented the film's exploration of life and the afterlife.
Ennio Morricone, after 70 years in Hollywood, finally won an Oscar for scoring "The Hateful Eight" (2015). His spaghetti western-inspired score perfectly encapsulated the film's dark and gritty atmosphere.
Philip Glass's minimalist score for "The Hours" (2002) is a testament to his unique style. The piece enriches the film's highs and lows and acts as an audio connector of the characters' lives, creating a seamless narrative through music.
Ludwig Göransson's soundtrack for "Black Panther" (2018) is a unique blend of traditional African instrumentation and orchestral music. The result is a score that is both modern and timeless, perfectly reflecting the film's narrative.
On August 26, 2024, the Movie Music Hall of Fame will countdown their selections from 10am to 7pm. Classics by composers like Hans Zimmer, Clint Mansell, Dario Marianelli, and Philip Glass are expected to feature prominently in this list.
ClassicFM recently revealed their top 15 film scores of the 21st century, which also includes works by Hildur Guðnadóttir, Jonny Greenwood, and Klaus Badelt. Hildur Guðnadóttir's eerie string theme for "Joker" (2019) is a haunting piece that perfectly sets the tone for the film, while Klaus Badelt's score for the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series (2003-2017) features spritely melodies inspired by Irish sea shanties.
Jonny Greenwood's ambient, string-led soundtrack for "There Will Be Blood" (2007) is a minimalist piece that perfectly complements the film's dark and brooding atmosphere. Clint Mansell's score for "Requiem for a Dream" (2000) is a haunting minimalist piece, with the stand-out piece 'Lux Aeterna' featuring relentlessly hammering strings.
As we look forward to the future, Hans Zimmer continues to push the boundaries of film music with his work on "Dune" (2021-2024), one of his most experimental works to date. With these composers at the helm, the future of film music promises to be as captivating and moving as ever.