The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Soundtrack
Composer Alexandre Desplat, performed by Hollywood Studio Symphony
Jan 20, 2009
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, David Fincher's film chronicles the bizarre life of the titular Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), who is born as an old man and ages backwards; along the way, he sees the love of his life, Daisy (Cate Blanchett) advance into old age. Suitably melancholy, Desplat's score is more reflective and subtle than conventionally beautiful.
Classical, lightly Jazzy Soundtrack
However, in a mixed year for movie soundtracks - Danny Elfman and John Powell had prolific outputs while the scores for Iron Man and The Dark Knight barely scraped by as 'music' - the gossamer light orchestrations of Desplat's work are a treat. Continuing with the emotional themes of efforts like Girl With a Pearl Earring, Desplat takes the listener on a musical journey from the initial joy at life through the despondent acceptance of death.
The opening, 'Postcards' is a surprisingly gloomy one, written in delicate waltz time; things perk up with the livelier 'Mr Gateau' and the lovely John Barry-esque tinkling cimbalom in 'Love in Murmansk'. The main theme itself is carefully interwoven into the subsequent fabric of the score. Also worth noting is the jazz influence underlying much of the music: Desplat's use of the baritone sax as an indicator is a delight.
Sutble sensual Film Music
As Benjamin and Daisy realise that their only opportunity at fleeting happiness is at the halfway point of their respective lives, so the midway point of the album proves to be the most attractive portion of the score. Ethereal harp solos dominate 'Children's Games' and 'Sunrise On Lake Pontchartrain'. Counterbalancing the melodic moments are the more urgent percussive sounds of 'Submarine Attack' and 'The Accident' indicating the unexpected obstacles that come with adult life.
The score then moves towards its moving climax; with twinkling chimes fading away into nothing in 'Dying Away' Benjamin's life also fades into the wind, a brilliant musical evocation. The main theme gets its fullest rendition in 'Benjamin and Daisy', on beautiful solo piano, reminding the listener that death is but a means to an end, and love will endure. As Desplat's haunting tour de force is completed, fans of rich, mature film music can hardly go wrong.
