Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Score Sample: Arsene Lupin

Film composers tend to be male, but every once in a while a talented woman breaks into the boys club and shows them how to make some great music. I'm already written a bit about Yoko Kanno, one of my favorite composers who tackles films, television and video games with a great deal of skill. But I haven't written about Debbie Wiseman, a British composer who is fairly well known in Europe, but hasn't had a chance to really break out in Hollywood.

But seriously, after listening to the score to Arsene Lupin I'm not sure what the hell Hollywood is waiting for. This score has it all including a wonderfully urbane and yet dangerous main theme. Perfect for a main character who is a gentleman thief. It's got thunderous action music, gothic choirs and a touch of romance. It is an amazing adventure score that was in the top 10 lists of many film score fans back in 2004 Between this score and the over the top gothic horror of Lesbian Vampire Killers Debbie Wiseman proves she has the chops to deliver a hell of film score. Someone hire this woman to tackle the next big space opera or fantasy adventure!

Here is a nifty suite from Arsene Lupin showing off this entertaining score.




4 comments:

  1. Anyone who can compose a notable score for something called Lesbian Vampire Killers has a talent with which to be reckoned.

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    1. Yeah the music is amazing. Huge, gothic, a ton of fun and even has some lovely moments for wordless soprano singing. I'll have to put up a sample around Halloween. It's a real favorite of mine. I've heard the movie is an absolute wreck and not nearly as funny as it wants to be, or scary or anything but kind of embarrassing.

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  2. I'd not heard of the fictional character of Arsene Lupin, but at a quick glance sounds intriguing. Pretty good soundtrack. Women are slowing being recognized for some of their soundtrack work. Many work in the anime field. Debbie Wiseman is new to me, but sounds good.

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    1. Oh there will be more Lupin details appearing on my blog later this month. In Japan and anime in general you see more female composers. But in Hollywood the only really well known one is Rachel Portman, who tends to work on romantic dramas and lightweight comedies. She's done some really fine work, but it isn't my preferred style of film score. Wiseman has delivered the bombast more frequently. :)

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