I mentioned in an earlier post that you sometimes see a film-maker use a certain composer for their movies. Jerry Bruckheimer, a film producer tends to use Hans Zimmer as the primary film composer for his movies. I’ll get to Hans Zimmer later this week. But the reason that certain film-makers employ certain composers, is that they are incredibly familiar with the composer’s work, and how the composer will collaborate with the director. Now, most composers will willingly collaborate with a director, even though there are exceptions. The relationship between a director and his composer is extraordinary, and the most well-known director/composer duo is Tim Burton and Danny Elfman. Danny Elfman also comes from Los Angeles, like James Horner, but unlike James Horner, Danny Elfman really had no classical education as far as music goes, but his natural talent for music is astonishing. In fact, the first movie he scored was for his brother, Richard Elfman, who directed his first movie called Forbidden Zone. But his real big break came with Tim Burton for Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure in 1985. The rest, as they say, is history. Danny Elfman has scored some of the most memorable films in cinema today, and continues to shape the film music industry in his own way.
Beetlejuice
Ah, Beetlejuice. Where would the movie industry be without you? This movie is absolutely one of the strangest movies that was ever made during the 80s, and has since become a cult classic film, featuring Michael Keaton in one of his wildest performances. Equally strange and yet captivating is the score by Danny Elfman. His use of the piano in the film as well some string instruments elicits a very bizarre response, and yet is one of the most recognized themes in film. Honestly, words can’t describe this movie. You have to see it for yourself. This was just one of MANY collaborative efforts with Tim Burton. The music is strangely funny and appropriate for a film like this. I love it.
Batman(1989)
If there was ever a movie that truly defined the efforts between Danny Elfman and Tim Burton, it’s Batman. When people think of Tim Burton, this is the movie they remember. It’s memorable for so many great reasons. It’s not just a great comic-book film, it’s a great movie in general. It has a very dark and gothic feel throughout the picture, and is pretty bleak in terms of it’s main character, but it’s the music that really gives the movie its flavor. The main theme of the film is so dynamic and thrilling, but it also has that mysterious quality that makes it so memorable. While the theme would return in Batman Returns, the main theme for this movie remains one of the finest pieces of film music to date. Just listening to it makes me want to watch the movie again. That’s how good it is.
Darkman
A lot of what Danny Elfman does is pretty action-oriented, so you’ll be seeing a lot of those on this list. That said, it’s not just Tim Burton that Elfman collaborates with. He also does music for Sam Raimi, who directed the Evil Dead films(not the remake) as well as the Spider-Man Trilogy(before the re-boots. Darkman is one of the most criminally underrated action flicks starring Liam Neeson. It’s dark, funny and sometimes pretty creepy. Sam Raimi does a fantastic job. It’s probably the best comic-book movie not based on an actual comic. The themes by Danny Elfman range from the highly energetic to the tragic and the insane. It runs that whole gamut of emotions that makes for such a unique experience. Some people might say this sounds pretty similar to the Batman soundtrack, but they would not necessarily be correct. He uses similar instruments, so his movies have a unique sound, but he does it in such a way that is truly interesting. Again, if you haven’t seen this movie, check it out.
Spider-Man(2002)
Another great collaboration with Sam Raimi, Danny Elfman hits another one out of the park with the soundtrack to one of the best comic-book movies in the early 21st century. It’s another emotionally powerful score that is very playful at times and extremely action-packed. Spider-Man is one of my favorite comic-book characters ever, and to see him done right in a modern live-action film is surreal. Sam Raimi did an amazing job with an outstanding cast. But the main score by Danny Elfman has become one of the most recognizable superhero themes along-side Batman and Superman.
Danny Elfman has accomplished so much in career that spans nearly 4 decades. He has become one of the most recognized and talented film composers in the industry. He also shows NO signs of slowing down. With movies like Men In Black, Sleepy Hollow, and Corpse Bride under his belt, Danny Elfman has an incredible list of films that he can be proud of. I think we can be proud of him as well.