Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode Featuring Hans Zimmer on His Diamond of a Career
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Hans Zimmer
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC
Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, Grammy award-winning composer Hans Zimmer joins the show to discuss his illustrious career and his latest project, the concert film "Hans Zimmer and Diamond in the Desert." The film, shot in Dubai, showcases Zimmer's iconic compositions from films like The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean, set against intimate conversations with collaborators such as Christopher Nolan, Billie Eilish, Phineas from No Time to Die, and Timothée Chalamet from Dune.
The Muse Behind the Music: Doris
Zimmer opens up about a fictional muse named Doris, who serves as his inspirational figure for composing emotionally resonant scores.
Hans Zimmer [02:09]: "Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash?... [omitted ad]"
Alison Stewart [02:01]: "In the film, you talk about Doris and how she's very, very important to the music that you make for film. Could you tell us about Doris?"
Hans Zimmer [02:09]: "So come the weekend when she has a choice, she can go to the pub, spend her money there, or she can go to the cinema and see a movie. And now if she sees a movie, I better have to have done a great job that makes it worth her while and gives her an experience because her life is really hard."
Zimmer explains that Doris represents the everyday moviegoer, someone who seeks an escape through cinema. This persona drives him to create music that offers solace and dreams to those facing challenging lives.
Overcoming Stage Fright and Embracing Live Performances
Zimmer shares his journey of moving from studio composition to live performances, overcoming stage fright with the support of friends like Pharrell Williams and Johnny Marr.
Hans Zimmer [04:48]: "They sat a little too close, you know, so that I couldn't actually show up. And they said... eventually you have to start looking people in the eye in real time... So for an hour, I went, no. And then they both sort of got up pretty disappointed. And just before Pharrell walked out, he said, 'I'm playing the Grammys this year. Do you want to play guitar for me?'"
Hans Zimmer [05:57]: "People seemed to actually enjoy it."
Zimmer recounts how his reluctance to perform live was challenged by his collaborators, leading him to embrace the experience and realize the positive reception from audiences.
Filming in Dubai and the Ukrainian Orchestra
Discussing the choice of Dubai as the filming location, Zimmer highlights its unique blend of modernity and tradition, providing a stunning backdrop for the orchestral performances.
Hans Zimmer [06:51]: "Dubai is a strange place because it's so modern and at the same time so ancient... it just felt like such a frivolous, fabulous, wonderful thing to do to take an orchestra and a choir out into the desert."
He also touches upon the challenges faced by his Ukrainian orchestra members due to the war, expressing gratitude for the support from the German government that allowed them to relocate to Germany safely.
Concert Film Highlights: Pirates of the Caribbean Segment
A standout moment in the concert film is the performance of "Pirates of the Caribbean." Zimmer discusses the anticipation he built by delaying the main theme until the end, enhancing audience engagement.
Hans Zimmer [09:55]: "I was trying to do Pirates and not play the main theme until the very end. Because I knew the audience knew that theme and they were going, 'Is he crazy? He's not playing.'"
This strategic composition highlights Zimmer's understanding of audience expectations and his ability to manipulate musical tension effectively.
Listener Call-In: The Inspiration Behind Rain Man's Soundtrack
Listener Michael from Forest Hills shares his admiration for Zimmer's work in Rain Man and inquires about the inspiration behind its acclaimed soundtrack.
Michael [11:18]: "My question is, where did you get inspired, you know, for that incredible soundtrack?"
Hans Zimmer [11:59]: "Barry Levinson saw it in London and said, 'That's the music for your next movie.' So we worked in Barry's office, shaping the music together. It was easier to say 'I hate it' because the director was right there to hear it instantly."
Zimmer narrates the serendipitous creation of the Rain Man score, emphasizing the collaborative process and the immediate feedback loop with Barry Levinson.
Collaborations and Conversations in the Concert Film
Zimmer elaborates on the inclusion of conversations with his friends and collaborators in the concert film, initially skeptical but ultimately finding value in their candid discussions.
Hans Zimmer [16:52]: "I think I was convinced. You see, here's the thing. Music... comes from their heart, it comes from their soul, and it comes from their technique."
He appreciates how these dialogues reveal personal facets of each collaborator, offering the audience deeper insights into the creative minds behind the music.
Handling Creative Differences with Directors
Addressing listener Michael from Bridgewater's question about creative differences, Zimmer explains his approach to maintaining artistic integrity amidst conflicting visions.
Hans Zimmer [19:40]: "My job is to do the thing that they can't even imagine... So disagree? Yeah, disagreements. Absolutely disagreements."
He recounts an experience where a producer doubted the effectiveness of his music, only for audience feedback to vindicate his creative choices, reinforcing the importance of trusting his artistic instincts.
Selecting the Concert Setlist and Personal Tributes
Zimmer discusses the thoughtful selection of pieces for the concert film, aiming to capture both his musical journey and personal tributes.
Hans Zimmer [23:51]: "I ended with the last piece... my publicist, Ronny Chasen... she was murdered in Los Angeles."
He honors his late publicist by concluding the concert with a piece that held significant personal meaning, demonstrating his ability to intertwine personal loss with professional artistry.
Conclusion
The episode provides an in-depth look into Hans Zimmer's creative process, his collaborations, and the emotional underpinnings of his music. Through candid conversations and reflective storytelling, Zimmer offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of what drives his compositions and the profound impact he aims to have on his audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Hans Zimmer [02:09]: "I just want her to have those two hours of dreaming."
- Hans Zimmer [05:57]: "People seemed to actually enjoy it."
- Hans Zimmer [09:55]: "He wasn't playing. He's not playing."
- Hans Zimmer [11:59]: "We set up in Barry's office because we didn't know anybody."
- Hans Zimmer [19:40]: "My job is to do the thing that they can't even imagine."
- Hans Zimmer [23:51]: "I always pray that for her."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a vivid portrayal of Hans Zimmer's reflections on his career, creative challenges, and the heartfelt motivations behind his music.