Killers of the Flower Moon (soundtrack) explained

Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film)
Type:soundtrack
Artist:Robbie Robertson
Cover:Killers of the Flower Moon Soundtrack.jpeg
Length:53:11
Label:Sony Masterworks
Producer:Robbie Robertson
Chronology:Martin Scorsese film soundtrack
Prev Title:The Irishman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Prev Year:2019

Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film) is the soundtrack album composed by Robbie Robertson for the 2023 film Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese. It was Robertson's final completed film score before he died in August 2023;[1] [2] the film is dedicated to his memory.[3] For his score, Robertson received a posthumous nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2024.

Background

Composer Robbie Robertson himself was of First Nations descent; his mother had Cayuga and Mohawk ancestry and was raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario.[4] Although Robertson did not want to compose "any stereotypical Indian music" for the soundtrack,[5] his heritage and experiences helped him incorporate tribal elements into the blues rock sound of the album.[6] [7]

Robertson had a long-standing personal and working relationship with director Martin Scorsese, and had most recently compiled the soundtrack of Scorsese's 2019 film The Irishman.[8] [9] Scorsese had considered Robertson one of his closest friends and confidants.[10]

Regarding Robertson's score, actress Lily Gladstone, who plays Mollie Kyle in the film, stated, "As young Native kids living around the [reservation] with my dad who loved The Band, loved Bob Dylan, loved Martin Scorsese, it was truly an honor to tell the story against [Robertson's] music and his greatness."[11]

Composition

Unable to read or write music, Robertson was initially hesitant to work with orchestrator Mark Graham, who had previously worked with esteemed composers like John Williams and Alexandre Desplat.[12] Scorsese did not want traditional "movie music" for his score, and Robertson was determined to deliver an extraordinary product.[13] During principal photography, Robertson visited the film set in Oklahoma to meet with Osage musicians and ensure the authenticity of his music.[14]

In July 2021, Robertson began sending Graham brief videos of his ideas for the score, which including him strumming the guitar or singing. Robertson put together an ensemble which included guitars, keyboards, mandolins, cellos, mandocellos, a zither, a manzarene, and a harmonica. The unorthodox band then gathered at Robertson's studio in Los Angeles to record the score.

As Scorsese prefers to not to edit his films to temp scores, Robertson had completed a first draft of the score by the time filming had wrapped.[15] Despite Robertson's progressing prostate cancer, he was able to complete the score and attend a private album release party before he passed away in August 2023. Scorsese fondly called Robertson's score "the beating heart of the picture" and "one of the most beautiful scores ever written for a film."[16] [17]

"Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)"

The Osage language song "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)", used in the final scene of the film, was composed by Osage Nation members Scott George, Kenny Bighorse, and Vann Bighorse.[18] Regarding the song's inclusion in the film, Scorsese stated, "I felt that we should end the film with a special piece of music created by the Osage," and noted that "the music of the Osage is the best display of [their] extraordinary survival."[19]

Scorsese and actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone had attended the Osage Nation's annual I'n-Lon-Schka dances in June 2021. They were impressed by the energy and movement of the dances, and Scorsese wished to create a similar energy for the film's conclusion. Scorsese contacted Vann Bighorse, who served as a consultant on the film and who, in turn, contacted Scott George and Kenny Bighorse to help him compose a song for the film. The three men decided against using existing traditional music and instead opted to compose a new song. They composed two pieces that they then sent to Scorsese to select from.[20]

Regarding his selected piece, George stated, "It's talking about our people, asking our people to stand up. We know that God has gotten us this far and it’s acknowledging that. It’s saying Wahzhazhe Ni-ka-zhi: stand up ... the meaning is we’re thankful that we're here and we've gone this far."[21] The song was performed by the Osage Tribal Singers, a collective of singers from the Osage Nation's I'n-Lon-Schka drum committees.

"Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 96th Academy Awards.[22] making George the first ever Osage Nation member to be nominated for an Academy Award. Commenting on the film's Academy Awards nominations, Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear stated, "Osage Nation is especially proud that Osage Composer Scott George, consultants Kenny and Vann Bighorse, and all our tribal singers are receiving this extraordinary recognition for 'Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)'."

Critical reception

Brian Tallerico of Roger Ebert wrote that "Robbie Robertson's thrumming score is practically a character, giving the film a heartbeat that adds tension to its notable runtime. This story wouldn't have nearly the same momentum with a traditional, classical score.[23] Hamish MacBain of the Evening Standard wrote that Robertson's score was "absolutely fantastic, particularly the recurring, minimal, two note retro-bass motif that effectively ramps up the tension at key points."[24] Moira Macdonald of The Seattle Times called Robertson's score "quietly powerful,"[25] while Peter Travers of ABC News called it "haunting" and "a fitting legacy" for Robertson's career.[26]

Tim Greiving of the Los Angeles Times wrote that "Robertson's contribution is an astonishing and lively musical ecosystem that gives immediate authenticity to Scorsese's equally vivid presentation of Osage life and culture in 1920s Oklahoma. It's music that proudly worships and dances with these people — and alternately weeps for their oppression, at times sounding almost sick at their treatment by the story's white predators." He also called the soundtrack "the best music Robertson ever wrote for the screen."

Live performances

On November 15, 2023, Martin Scorsese held a tribute concert for Robertson, which included excerpts from his Killers of the Flower Moon score. Notable guests included Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, who both starred in the film.[27] [28]

Accolades

Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film) awards and nominations
AwardYearCategoryRecipientsResult
Hollywood Music in Media Awards2023Best Original Score in a Feature FilmRobbie Robertson (p.r.)[29]
St. Louis Film Critics Association Awards2023Best Score[30]
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards2023Best Score[31]
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards2023Best Original Score[32]
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards2023Best Musical Score[33]
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards2023Best Score[34]
Astra Film Awards2024Best Score[35]
Golden Globe Awards2024Best Original Score[36]
Critics' Choice Movie Awards2024Best Score[37]
Online Film Critics Society Awards2024Best Original Score[38]
Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards2024Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film[39]
British Academy Film Awards2024Best Original Score[40]
Satellite Awards2024Best Original Score[41]
Academy Awards2024Best Original Score[42]
Best Original Song"Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" (Scott George)

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormat(s)Label(s)
VariousOctober 20, 2023Sony Masterworks[43]
United StatesDecember 8, 2023CD[44]
December 15, 2023LP[45]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Greiving . Tim . Robbie Robertson was on the verge of his greatest success with Martin Scorsese . . 20 October 2023 . 10 August 2023.
  2. Web site: Morris . Chris . Robbie Robertson, Leader of The Band, Dies at 80 . . 20 October 2023 . 9 August 2023.
  3. Web site: Menta . Anna . 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Ends With a Touching Dedication to Longtime Scorsese Collaborator Robbie Robertson . . 23 October 2023 . 20 October 2023.
  4. Web site: McArdle . Tommy . Martin Scorsese Remembers The Band Guitarist and Musical Collaborator Robbie Robertson: 'I Loved' Him . . 20 October 2023 . 10 August 2023.
  5. Web site: Willman . Chris . A Last Conversation With Robbie Robertson, About 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and Reconvening With Martin Scorsese: 'It's Just Been a Gift in Life' . . 24 October 2023 . 21 October 2023.
  6. Web site: Strauss . Matthew . Listen to Robbie Robertson's Soundtrack for New Martin Scorsese Movie Killers of the Flower Moon . . 20 October 2023 . 20 October 2023.
  7. Web site: Breihan . Tom . Robbie Roberston's Posthumous Soundtrack For Martin Scorsese's 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' Out Now: Stream . . 20 October 2023 . 20 October 2023.
  8. Web site: Ford . Rebecca . 'The Irishman' Composer on Not Creating a "Traditional Movie Score" for Gangster Epic . . 20 October 2023 . 27 November 2019.
  9. Blistein . Jon . Robbie Robertson Details Soundtrack for Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman' . . 20 October 2023 . 1 November 2019.
  10. Web site: Bloom . Madison . Martin Scorsese Remembers the Band's Robbie Robertson: "I Could Always Go to Him as a Confidante" . Pitchfork . 23 December 2023 . 9 August 2023.
  11. Web site: Tramel . Jimmie . Award-worthy: Robbie Robertson's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' score helps tell film's story . Tulsa World . 12 January 2024 . 10 January 2024.
  12. Web site: Greiving . Tim . For his final work, with Martin Scorsese, Robbie Robertson found a personal connection . Los Angeles Times . 23 December 2023 . 13 November 2023.
  13. Web site: Rice . Lynette . How Robbie Robertson Avoided "Movie Music" In His Score For 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' – Sound & Screen Film . Deadline . 23 December 2023 . 10 November 2023.
  14. Web site: Galuppo . Mia . Martin Scorsese Talks Working With the Osage Nation, Late 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Composer Robbie Robertson . . 20 October 2023 . 26 September 2023.
  15. Web site: Gomez . Dessi . Robbie Robertson's Manager Recalls Martin Scorsese's Love of Harmonica During 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Editing . . 20 October 2023 . 17 October 2023.
  16. Web site: Leatham . Thomas . Martin Scorsese hosts Robbie Robertson tribute concert . Far Out Magazine . 23 December 2023 . 17 November 2023.
  17. Web site: Boisvert . Lauren . Martin Scorsese Hosted a Tribute Concert for Robbie Robertson with Performances from Jackson Browne, Jason Isbell, and More . American Songwriter . 23 December 2023 . 17 November 2023.
  18. Web site: Maupin . Jennifer . 'Killers of the Flower Moon' nominated for 10 Oscars . KJRH . 23 January 2024 . 23 January 2024.
  19. 18 January 2024 . Killers of the Flower Moon — The Song "Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" . Apple TV+ . . 23 January 2024.
  20. Web site: Tramel . Jimmie . 'Killers of the Flower Moon' song created by Oklahomans makes Oscar shortlist . Tulsa World . 23 January 2024 . 18 January 2024.
  21. Web site: Polacca . Benny . Osage Nation officials and 'Killers of the Flower Moon' crew members attend New York premiere . Osage News . 12 January 2024 . 28 September 2023.
  22. Web site: Gonzalez . Shivani . Oscar Nominees 2024 . The New York Times . 23 January 2024 . 23 January 2024.
  23. Web site: Tallerico . Brian . Killers of the Flower Moon movie review (2023) . . 24 October 2023 . 20 October 2023.
  24. Web site: MacBain . Hamish . Killers of the Flower Moon: Lily Gladstone shines in Scorsese's oeuvre . . 24 October 2023 . 20 October 2023.
  25. Web site: Macdonald . Moira . 'Killers of the Flower Moon' review: Lily Gladstone is electric in Scorsese's master class of a film . . 24 October 2023 . 19 October 2023.
  26. Web site: Travers . Peter . Review: Martin Scorsese delivers a new movie classic with 'Killers of the Flower Moon' . . 24 October 2023 . 20 October 2023.
  27. Web site: Chelin . Pamela . Martin Scorsese Hosts Robbie Robertson Tribute Concert, With Jackson Browne and Others Paying Musical Homage . Variety . 23 December 2023 . 16 November 2023.
  28. Web site: Bergeson . Samantha . Martin Scorsese Honors Robbie Robertson's Legacy with Tribute Concert: The Musician 'Broke Barriers' . IndieWire . 23 December 2023 . 16 November 2023.
  29. Web site: 2023 HMMA WINNERS AND NOMINEES . Hollywood Music In Media Awards . 17 November 2023.
  30. Web site: Annual StLFCA Awards . St. Louis Film Critics Association . 11 December 2023.
  31. Web site: Gordon . Tim . 2023 WAFCA Award Winner . Washington DC Area Film Critics Association . 11 December 2023 . 10 December 2023.
  32. Web site: Anderson . Erik . Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) Nominations: 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Oppenheimer,' 'Poor Things' Lead with 10 Each . AwardsWatch . 11 December 2023 . 8 December 2023.
  33. Web site: Jorgenson . Todd . DFW FILM CRITICS NAME "THE HOLDOVERS" BEST PICTURE OF 2023 . Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association . 19 December 2023 . 18 December 2023.
  34. Web site: Neglia . Matt . The 2023 Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Winners . Next Best Picture . 22 December 2023 . 21 December 2023.
  35. Grein . Paul . A 'Barbie' Song Won at 2024 Astra Film Awards, But It Wasn't the Billie Eilish Hit . Billboard . 8 January 2024 . 7 January 2024.
  36. Web site: Lang . Brent . Moreau . Jordan . Golden Globes: 'Oppenheimer' Leads With Five Wins, 'Succession' Tops TV With Four (Complete Winners List) . Variety . 8 January 2024 . 8 January 2024.
  37. Web site: Shanfeld . Ethan . 'Oppenheimer' Leads Critics Choice Awards With 8 Wins, 'Barbie' Scores 6 — Full Winners List . Variety . 23 January 2024 . 15 January 2024.
  38. Web site: Neglia . Matt . The 2023 Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) Winners . Next Best Picture . 23 January 2024 . 22 January 2024.
  39. Web site: Phillips . Zoe G. . Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards: Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Ludwig Göransson Among Winners . The Hollywood Reporter . 14 February 2024 . 14 February 2024.
  40. Web site: Yossman . K. J. . Shafer . Ellise . BAFTA Awards: 'Oppenheimer' and 'Poor Things' Win Big as 'Barbie' and 'Maestro' Are Shut Out — Full Winners List . Variety . 18 February 2024 . 18 February 2024.
  41. Web site: Neglia . Matt . The 2023 Satellite Award (IPA) Winners . Next Best Picture . 5 March 2024 . 4 March 2024.
  42. Web site: Moreau . Jordan . Oscar Nominations 2024: The Complete List . Variety . 23 January 2024 . 23 January 2024.
  43. Web site: Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film), Robbie Robertson . Qobuz . 20 October 2023.
  44. Web site: Robbie Robertson - Killers of the Flower Moon - (CD, Vinyl LP) . Rough Trade . 20 October 2023.
  45. Web site: Robbie Robertson - Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film) [LP] ]. Strictly Discs . 20 October 2023.

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