In depth and mini reviews of movies with a sprinkling of nostalgia and film music musings.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Anime Juke Box - Mediational Field - Paprika
Electronic music in anime is nothing new. Often the budget of a television series forces the creators to use electronic alternatives to actual orchestral scores. But every once in a while you get a score by someone who knows how to manipulate electronic music and make it work in it's own unique way. Susumu Hirasawa is one of those composers, and he may have found the perfect partner in director Satoshi Kon. Hirasawa combines techno beats, human voices (including his own) and various electronic manipulation to create his tracks. His work on Paprikais some of his best. Here is the track Mediational Fieldwhich ends up being the opening titles and the theme for our heroine, Paprika. He does some interesting things with this tune throughout the score, including adding full lyrics for the end credits. This is the tune at it's most playful and it works wonderfully with the opening credit animation.
The visuals are a real treat in that film, even if the story doesn't grab you, there's so much going on you can't stop watching.
I'm posting a full review next week. But I wanted to post a little taste of the film first. Actually this clip is composed of stills from the whole film. Kind of a neat idea.
I'm kicking myself for not picking that one up at a very good price around the time the movie came out on DVD in Region 1. I figured I'd pick it up later. When I finally got around to it, it was nearly impossible to find at a good price. Import is the only way to go now. :(
I really ought to watch this as I like the kaleidoscopic art, good soundtrack too. It's in my NF queue, so may have to bump it up.
ReplyDeleteThe visuals are a real treat in that film, even if the story doesn't grab you, there's so much going on you can't stop watching.
DeleteI'm posting a full review next week. But I wanted to post a little taste of the film first. Actually this clip is composed of stills from the whole film. Kind of a neat idea.
Great minds think alike. Clearly kon enjoyed working with this composer.
ReplyDeleteI actually bout the import cd to millennium Actress because I loved the music for that film so much also by hirasawa.
Anyway greet stuff. Cheers.
I'm kicking myself for not picking that one up at a very good price around the time the movie came out on DVD in Region 1. I figured I'd pick it up later. When I finally got around to it, it was nearly impossible to find at a good price. Import is the only way to go now. :(
DeleteIt makes one wonder what he could do with a theremin
ReplyDeleteHe's actually done a lot of non-soundtrack related music. I wouldn't be surprised if he did work a theremin in one of those albums.
DeleteIf you need a copy to listen to let me know.
ReplyDeletesff