Jackie (soundtrack) explained

Cover:Jackie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).jpg
Jackie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Type:film
Artist:Mica Levi
Studio:Angel Recording Studios, London
Genre:
Label:Milan
Producer:Mica Levi

Jackie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is the soundtrack to the 2016 film of the same name, released alongside the film on December 2, 2016, by Milan Records. The score is composed by Mica Levi in their second feature film score after Under the Skin (2013).[1] [2] It received nominations for Best Original Score at the 89th Academy Awards and Best Film Music at the 69th British Academy Film Awards, amongst numerous other accolades.

Development

Pablo Larraín recruited Mica Levi to compose music after he loved their work on Under the Skin while watching at the 70th Venice International Film Festival.[3] Their inspiration towards Jackie Kennedy helped them to write the "light-hearted music" that matched the film, but also had a sense of tragedy as well. Speaking to Fact Magazine, they recalled their experience on how the score indicates her life post Kennedy's assassination, saying:[4]

"She’s got the seriousness and the trauma of all the lives that she’s lost — her kids, as well — and all of this is being brought up while she has to face all of the world. But she’s also smashing back the drinks, smashing back the pills, because she’s trying to keep level somehow."

Levi referenced the music of classical films from the 1970s to influence it in their score as well as John Coltrane and Morton Feldman's works. The scoring process was very quick, with "In terms of the first bits, it felt really quick, then there was a gap in the middle and then another bit afterward". Even before the post-production, Levi started sending music that matched appropriately to the character and the film and while editing, they got the piece to editor Sebastian to include in the final edit of the film. Hence, the soundtrack begins with a downward note as per Larraín's suggestion.[5] [6]

To reflect Jackie's character, they used glissandos in the score, as did in her studio album with Shapes, Chopped & Screwed (2011) and Under the Skin. Levi acknowledged that they were interested in this technique as it was like "something that happens if you slow [your playing] down, you get this glooping and distortion and morphing of [sound]" which they felt quite expressive and give the score an "extra frill" but also create a sonic palette reminiscent of the 1960s, the film's period which was set. The addition of glissandos could give it an "indulgent" and "soupy" texture.

The film's periodic setting also helped Levi to choose a "jazz band" kind of instruments, without saxophones or trumpets as they felt the music should be very "quaint". The score is performed by three bassists, eight violins, six violas, six cellos, two flutes, with one of them playing clarinet, percussion and vibraphone, tied together, to sound homogenous. They further doubled the flutes and spread harmonies, so that they cannot be played together and if being put in unison, does not sound professional, creating a sound which was "quite meaningful and innocent". They put the basses up and made it loud and course, overlaid with hard brass, wind and strings giving a "posh, rich sound".[7] The score was written within four to five months, quite less than the duration they worked in Under the Skin.[8]

Reception

Critical response

Kevin Lozano of Pitchfork gave the score 7.5 out of 10, summarising "Levi’s score concretizes and helps control the artistic experience of the film. In effect, the score may not supersede its filmic anchor, but is sure does make the entire endeavor more beautiful."[9] Music critic Jonathan Broxton commented "Levi’s steadfast refusal to even make herself aware of what her film’s dramatic arc actually is renders her music entirely pointless".[10] Adam Kivel of Consequence wrote "Mica Levy is a supremely talented storyteller, able to tap into the most subtle moments and reveal unknown layers."[11] James Southall of Movie Wave gave four stars to the album, opining that it "makes the moments of subtle levity all the more effective".[12]

Sam Mackay of The Quietus had indicated that the score has "everything to do with the off-modern freshness of her approach in a field dogged by generic bombast and minimalism-by-numbers".[13] Heather Phares of AllMusic wrote "Levi's score is as powerful a presence as Jackie herself, and its creativity is more appropriate than more traditional music would have been."[14] Lauren Murphy of The Irish Times called it as an "understated score" rating three out of five.[15] Mark Kermode of The Guardian complimented Levi's score, saying "From the saddening glissando strings of the opening theme, with its falling invocations of death and discord, Levi provides the unifying emotional glue for Larraín’s deliberately shattered film. There’s a touch of Jonny Greenwood’s deeply unsettling music for There Will Be Blood about the recurrent swooning motif that Levi deploys, while eerie silences echoing between strong but fragile chords poignantly recall Jackie’s isolation. Elsewhere, the drums of war scratch at the edges of plaintive piano pieces, while jazzier sounds evoke the sunny 60s optimism that was shattered in the wake of the Dealey Plaza shooting."[16]

Accolades

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s) and nominee(s)Result
Academy AwardsFebruary 26, 2017Best Original Score[17]
[18]
Austin Film Critics AssociationDecember 28, 2016Best Score[19]
[20]
Boston Society of Film CriticsDecember 11, 2016Best Original Score[21]
[22]
British Academy Film AwardsFebruary 12, 2017Best Original Music[23]
Chicago Film Critics AssociationDecember 15, 2016Best Original Score[24]
Critics' Choice AwardsDecember 11, 2016Best Score[25]
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics AssociationDecember 13, 2016Best Musical Score[26]
Florida Film Critics CircleDecember 23, 2016Best ScoreJackie[27]
Hollywood Music in Media AwardsNovember 17, 2016Best Original Score – Feature Film[28]
[29]
Houston Film Critics SocietyJanuary 6, 2017Best Original Score[30]
[31]
IndieWire Critics PollDecember 19, 2016Best Original Score or SoundtrackMica Levi[32]
London Film Critics CircleJanuary 22, 2017Technical Achievement (music)[33]
Los Angeles Film Critics AssociationDecember 4, 2016Best Music[34]
San Diego Film Critics SocietyDecember 12, 2016Best Use of Music in a FilmJackie[35]
[36]
San Francisco Film Critics CircleDecember 11, 2016Best Original Score[37]
[38]
St. Louis Gateway Film Critics AssociationDecember 18, 2016Best Music/Score[39]
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics AssociationDecember 5, 2016Best Score[40]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2016-11-10 . Mica Levi Details Jackie Soundtrack, Shares New Track "Children": Listen . https://web.archive.org/web/20161111161941/https://pitchfork.com/news/69705-mica-levi-details-jackie-soundtrack-shares-new-track-children-listen/ . 2016-11-11 . 2023-07-18 . Pitchfork . en-US.
  2. Web site: Nordine . Michael . 2016-11-21 . ‘Jackie’ Soundtrack: Stream Mica Levi’s Powerful, Haunting Score . https://web.archive.org/web/20230719104219/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/jackie-soundtrack-stream-mica-levi-natalie-portman-1201748707/ . 2023-07-19 . 2023-07-18 . IndieWire . en-US.
  3. News: Godfrey . Alex . 2023-07-18 . Mica Levi interview: the film composer on Under the Skin, their new movie, Monos, and playing music with birds . en . The Times . 2023-07-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191027053710/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mica-levi-interview-the-film-composer-on-under-the-skin-her-new-movie-monos-and-playing-music-with-birds-wnr2g08mb . 2019-10-27 . 0140-0460.
  4. Web site: Lobenfeld . Claire . 2016-12-05 . Mica Levi on Jackie and how to soundtrack grief . https://web.archive.org/web/20161211195539/https://www.factmag.com/2016/12/05/mica-levi-jackie-film-score-interview/ . 2016-12-11 . 2023-07-18 . Fact Magazine . en-US.
  5. Web site: Lynch . Joe . 2017-02-25 . From Indie Darling to Oscar Nominee, ‘Jackie’ Composer Mica Levi Is a Laid-Back Innovator to Watch . https://web.archive.org/web/20221204085717/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/mica-levi-jackie-oscar-score-academy-award-interview-7702116/ . 2022-12-04 . 2023-07-18 . Billboard . en-US.
  6. Web site: Mokoena . Tshepo . 2018-06-06 . Mica Levi Is a True Musical Genius . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119025911/https://www.vice.com/en/article/435qvw/mica-levi-ivor-novello-awards-2018-jackie-genius . 2023-01-19 . 2023-07-19 . Vice . en.
  7. Web site: How To Write An Unforgettable Movie Score, According To Mica Levi . https://web.archive.org/web/20171002062526/https://www.thefader.com/2016/11/14/mica-levi-jackie-under-the-skin-soundtrack-interview . 2017-10-02 . 2023-07-18 . The FADER . en.
  8. News: Beauman . Ned . 2017-02-23 . Mica Levi’s Intensely Unconventional Film Scores . en-US . The New Yorker . 2023-07-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170519221541/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/mica-levis-anti-musical-soundtracks . 2017-05-19 . 0028-792X.
  9. Web site: Mica Levi: Jackie OST . https://web.archive.org/web/20170410140108/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22677-jackie-ost/ . 2017-04-10 . 2023-07-18 . Pitchfork . en-US.
  10. Web site: 2017-01-28 . JACKIE – Mica Levi . https://web.archive.org/web/20191226090337/https://moviemusicuk.us/2017/01/27/jackie-mica-levi/ . 2019-12-26 . 2023-07-18 . MOVIE MUSIC UK . en.
  11. Web site: Kivel . Adam . 2016-11-28 . Album Review: Mica Levi - Jackie OST . https://web.archive.org/web/20220118175904/https://consequence.net/2016/11/album-review-mica-levi-jackie-ost/ . 2022-01-18 . 2023-07-18 . Consequence . en-US.
  12. Web site: Southall . James . 2017-02-05 . Jackie soundtrack review . https://web.archive.org/web/20171117232315/http://www.movie-wave.net/jackie/ . 2017-11-17 . 2023-07-18 . Movie Wave . en-GB.
  13. Web site: Mackay . Sam . Jackie Mica Levi . https://web.archive.org/web/20230719105447/https://thequietus.com/articles/21763-mica-levi-jackie-film-movie-soundtrack-out-review . 2023-07-19 . 2023-07-18 . The Quietus . en-us.
  14. Web site: Phares . Heather . Review: Jackie [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] ]. https://web.archive.org/web/20161210002135/https://www.allmusic.com/album/jackie-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0002993688 . 2016-12-10 . 2023-07-18 . AllMusic . Rovi Corporation.
  15. Web site: Mica Levi: Jackie OST review: understated score for Mrs JFK’s biopic . https://web.archive.org/web/20161228161838/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/mica-levi-jackie-ost-review-understated-score-for-mrs-jfk-s-biopic-1.2899963 . 2016-12-28 . 2023-07-18 . The Irish Times . en.
  16. News: Kermode . Mark . 2017-01-22 . Jackie review – a symphony of grief at the White House . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-07-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170202161832/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jan/22/jackie-review-natalie-portman-pablo-lerrain-mica-levi . 2017-02-02 . 0261-3077.
  17. News: Oscars: 'La La Land' Ties Record With 14 Nominations . Kimberly . Nordyke . . January 24, 2017 . January 24, 2017 .
  18. Oscar Nominations: Complete List . . January 24, 2017 . January 24, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170124150844/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/2017-oscar-nominations-academy-awards-nominees-1201968107/ . January 24, 2017 . live .
  19. Web site: Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Nominations: The Handmaiden Lands Top Mentions, Trevante Rhodes Double Nominated . Erik . Anderson . AwardsWatch.com . December 15, 2016 . December 15, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170602131516/http://awardswatch.com/news/austin-film-critics-association-afca-nominations-the-handmaiden-lands-top-mentions-trevante-rhodes-double-nominated/ . June 2, 2017 . live .
  20. Web site: 2016 Austin Film Critics Awards Nominees, 'Moonlight' and 'Arrival' lead the way in AFCA's 2016 nominations . Neil . Miller . Medium.com . December 15, 2016 . December 15, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170622043509/https://austinfilmcritics.org/2016-nominations-5307a85b7c6a?gi=99f3d4c637ab#.yjh64hs3i . June 22, 2017 . dead .
  21. Web site: 'La La Land' Named Best Picture by Boston Society of Film Critics . Patrick . Shanley . December 11, 2016 . . December 11, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161212024755/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/la-la-land-named-best-picture-by-boston-society-film-critics-955066 . December 12, 2016 . live .
  22. Web site: Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress 2016 . Boston Society of Film Critics Official at Twitter. December 11, 2016 . December 13, 2016.
  23. Web site: BAFTA Awards: 'La La Land' Leads Nominations . Alex . Ritman . January 9, 2017 . . January 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170110163616/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/bafta-2017-complete-list-nominations-962769/item/film-bafta-nominees-2017-962744 . January 10, 2017 . live .
  24. Web site: The 2016 Chicago Film Critics Association Award Nominees . December 11, 2016 . . December 12, 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220200944/http://www.chicagofilmcritics.org/component/content/article/148-cfca-nominees-2016 . December 20, 2016 .
  25. Web site: La La Land Leads with 12 Nominations for the 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards . Critics' Choice . December 1, 2016 . December 1, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161130215147/http://www.criticschoice.com/critics-choice-awards . November 30, 2016 . live .
  26. Web site: DFW Film Critics Name 'Moonlight' Best Film of 2016 . . December 13, 2016 . December 13, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220114814/http://dfwcritics.com/dfw-film-critics-name-moonlight-best-film-of-2016/ . December 20, 2016 . live .
  27. Web site: 'MOONLIGHT' LEADS 2016 FLORIDA FILM CRITICS AWARDS NOMINATIONS . Florida Film Critics Circle . December 21, 2016 . December 21, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161222003126/http://www.floridafilmcritics.com/2016/12/20/moonlight-leads-2016-florida-film-critics-awards-nominations/ . December 22, 2016 . live .
  28. Web site: Justin Timberlake & Alexandre Desplat Among Winners At Hollywood Music In Media Awards . Deadline . November 18, 2016 . November 18, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161119181845/http://deadline.com/2016/11/hollywood-music-in-media-awards-justin-timberlake-alexandre-desplat-trent-reznot-1201857357/ . November 19, 2016 . live .
  29. Web site: 'La La Land' Scores Three Hollywood Music in Media Nominations . Variety . November 2, 2016 . November 3, 2016 . McNary, Dave . https://web.archive.org/web/20161103124719/http://variety.com/2016/film/news/la-la-land-hollywood-music-in-media-nominations-1201907464/ . November 3, 2016 . live .
  30. Web site: Houston Film Critics Nominations for 2016 Films . MovieAwardsPlus.com . December 13, 2016 . December 15, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220202407/https://movieawardsplus.com/2016/12/13/houston-film-critics-nominations/ . December 20, 2016 . dead .
  31. Web site: Houston Film Critics Society Nominations – 'The Nice Guys' and Rebecca Hall Get a Deserved Boost . AwardsCircuit.com . December 13, 2016 . December 15, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220151632/http://www.awardscircuit.com/2016/12/13/houston-film-critics-society-nominations-nice-guys-rebecca-hall-get-deserved-boost/ . December 20, 2016 . live .
  32. News: 2016 IndieWire Critics Poll: Full List of Results . Steve . Greene . . December 19, 2016 . December 27, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161223075031/http://www.indiewire.com/2016/12/best-movies-2016-critic-poll-results-1201757008/ . December 23, 2016 . live .
  33. 'Moonlight' and 'Love and Friendship' Lead London Film Critics' Circle Nominations . December 20, 2016 . Variety . December 20, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161221140041/http://variety.com/2016/film/awards/moonlight-love-and-friendship-lead-london-film-critics-circle-nominations-1201945718/ . December 21, 2016 . live .
  34. Web site: 42nd Annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards 2016 Winners . . December 4, 2016 . December 5, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161221033342/http://lafca.net/years/2016.html . December 21, 2016 . dead .
  35. Web site: 2016 San Diego Film Critics Society's Award Nominations . December 9, 2016 . December 9, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161221165923/http://www.sdfcs.org/san-diego-film-critics-society-nominations-2016/ . December 21, 2016 . dead .
  36. Web site: San Diego Film Critics Society's 2016 Award Winners . December 12, 2016 . December 12, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220225316/http://www.sdfcs.org/2016-award-winners/ . December 20, 2016 . dead .
  37. Web site: San Francisco Film Critics Circle Nominations! . Marshall . Flores . AwardsDaily.com . December 9, 2016 . December 10, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161213174313/http://www.awardsdaily.com/2016/12/09/san-francisco-film-critics-circle-nominations . December 13, 2016 . live .
  38. Web site: 'Moonlight' Named Best Picture by San Francisco Film Critics Circle . Kimberly . Nordyke . . December 12, 2016 . December 12, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161213020831/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/moonlight-named-best-picture-by-san-francisco-film-critics-circle-955302 . December 13, 2016 . live .
  39. Web site: 2016 StLFCA Annual Award Nominations . . December 12, 2016 . December 12, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171212162611/http://www.stlfilmcritics.org/awards . December 12, 2017 . live .
  40. Web site: The 2016 WAFCA Awards Nominations . December 3, 2016 . December 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160131082335/http://www.wafca.com/awards/ . January 31, 2016 . live .

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Jackie (soundtrack)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.