Composing For 'The Brutalist' (The Big Picture)

Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Composing For 'The Brutalist' (The Big Picture)"

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart from WNYC, the spotlight is on the intricate process behind composing the award-nominated score for the film The Brutalist. Daniel Blumberg, the talented composer responsible for the evocative music that underpins the film’s narrative, joins Alison to discuss his creative journey, collaboration with the director, and the unique challenges of scoring a film that intertwines epic storytelling with intimate character development.

Background of Daniel Blumberg and The Brutalist

Alison Stewart introduces Daniel Blumberg as the composer of the score for The Brutalist, a film that delves into the life of Hungarian architect Laszlo Toth and his journey to America. Blumberg's work on the film earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score. He describes the score as "a cohesive collage" that mirrors the complexity and depth of the film’s story, balancing grand architectural narratives with personal love stories (00:39).

Initiation of the Project

Daniel Blumberg shares how his longstanding friendship with the director, Brady Corbet, facilitated his involvement in The Brutalist. “[...] he sent me the script as soon as he'd finished writing it. So we started working on it straight away” (02:04). This immediate collaboration set the foundation for a deeply integrated creative process.

Learning from Past Experiences

Although The Brutalist is only Blumberg's second film score, his previous experience taught him the importance of aligning with the director’s vision. He emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the production schedule and being a supportive collaborator: “It's very much trying to help the director basically achieve what they want to” (02:25).

Close Collaboration with the Director

Blumberg elaborates on the close working relationship he maintained with Brady Corbet throughout the project. Living together in the same apartment in Budapest allowed for continuous dialogue and real-time collaboration on the score. “[...] we worked very closely together throughout the whole thing” (03:06). This proximity enabled Blumberg to swiftly adapt the music to the evolving dynamics of the film set.

Integrating Music into the Filming Process

A unique aspect of Blumberg’s approach was integrating live music into the filming process. By having a jazz band perform on set during the first day of shooting, the cinematographer could synchronize camera movements with the music, and actors could respond to the live sounds. Blumberg notes, “there was a real dialogue between the departments” (04:27). This method ensured that the music was an organic part of the film from the outset.

Developing Musical Themes

Discussing the development of Laszlo Toth’s theme, Blumberg explains his instinctual approach to composing, relying on conversations with Corbet rather than formal music theory. “I sort of try and use my instincts and just retain the conversations I've had with Brady” (09:58). This intuitive process allowed the theme to evolve naturally with the character’s journey, from chaos to romance.

Recording and Performance Techniques

Blumberg highlights the importance of authentic performances in capturing the emotional depth of the score. He worked with renowned musicians like John Tilbury, whose piano presence is intentionally recorded to reflect Laszlo’s artistic journey. “We wanted to... hear his presence because it was sort of married to the artistic journey that the character Laszlo was going on through the film” (09:58). Additionally, the intermission piece was recorded in a natural setting, incorporating ambient sounds to enhance the realism of the film's pause.

Time-Period Transitions in the Score

Addressing how the score reflects different decades, Blumberg describes his strategy for musically bridging the 1940s to the 1980s within the film. By shifting musical styles—using bebop for the 1950s and synthesizers for the 1980s—the score mirrors the film’s temporal transitions. Collaborating with Vince Clarke from Depeche Mode and Yazoo, he incorporated authentic 80s sounds while maintaining the acoustic foundation of the overall score: “I was really excited, the idea that people would be sitting in the audience for three hours and then suddenly these digital sounds would appear” (16:08).

Challenges and Adaptations

Blumberg candidly discusses the challenges of composing without formal training in music theory. “I can't read music. Or, you know, I don't write it down on paper... a lot of it's done through communicating, just talking about it and listening together and trying things” (11:33). This unconventional method required close collaboration with musicians who could translate his ideas into written scores, ensuring the final product aligned with his vision.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode concludes with Alison Stewart congratulating Daniel Blumberg on his Oscar nomination and reflecting on the profound impact of his work on The Brutalist. Blumberg expresses gratitude and satisfaction with the collaborative process, emphasizing the seamless integration of music and narrative: “Thank you very much. Really appreciate it” (17:56).

Key Takeaways

Collaborative Process: The close personal and professional relationship between Blumberg and Corbet was pivotal in creating a cohesive and dynamic score.
Intuitive Composition: Blumberg’s reliance on instinctual methods over formal music theory allowed for a more organic and emotionally resonant score.
Integration of Music and Film: By incorporating live music into the filming process and aligning musical themes with narrative developments, the score became an intrinsic part of the storytelling.
Authentic Soundscapes: The use of period-specific instruments and techniques, along with collaborations with renowned musicians, added depth and authenticity to the score.

Daniel Blumberg’s work on The Brutalist exemplifies the profound impact a thoughtfully composed score can have on a film, enhancing both its grandeur and its intimate moments. This episode of All Of It provides an illuminating glimpse into the art and collaboration behind creating a memorable cinematic experience.