isolation, one keystroke at a time.
So I have been hesitant to write anything about the Social Network Soundtrack until the hype died down, in hopes my statements, though later in the game, might not be glossed over as yet another bit of talking on a film revolving around people talking in rooms.
But here it is, some weeks later, the $1 Theatres have the film playing out to that dirty collection of seats, full of so much bubble gum on the floors, dirt and wasted youth stained on the walls. And since the film has been lowered to such an uncivilized level, it is therefore my turn to expound upon my opinions. So, as I’ve seen the film seen three times over, and the score was focused on the last time, I want to discuss how the music fits to the movie.
What became extremely clear upon multiple viewings of the film was the fact that, throughout the film, the view of the story is from the outside looking in, the individual who is most isolated from the majority is the focus of each scene. Throughout it all, there is a theme of geek glorification (and consequence for inadequacies in communication), especially in the music. In the opening “hacking” scene, Trent is not running a four on the floor beat and arpeggiated melody for the girls stripping for the sons of congressman at the Procellian, but rather for Zuckerberg and all of the nerd horde in his dorm laying waste to a tuesday night.
The tilt shift scene of the crew match is also a perfectly realized moment. But again, there is a comedy and harsh critique placed upon the imagery by the lens work and the composers’ use of Hall of The Mountain King. Camera effect aside, the song is forever associated with calamity, failure and self effacing comedy due to other film uses, including Fantasia and it’s general theme. The detail in the sound however, is visceral and textured. You feel the strings and orchestral work much more intimately, with Trent’s/Atticus’ use of their collective, remarkable studio prowess and savvy. The exit of the song to mark the end of the scene is a remarkable use of bitcrushed sound along with a violent rush of reverse reverb. You don’t hear a sound from the match taking place, or hear the accents of snobbery surrounding it, yet all of these are encapsulated in the astoundingly creative production by Trent & Atticus.
As a Nine Inch Nails fan, I am taken back with some of the melodies, reliving some elements of Trent’s most classic works, notably The Fragile, a brilliant compilation in its own right. But it seems Trent’s piano work (obviously his hands on the keys, there’s no doubt about it), seems freer, he’s able to work with these sad melodies and develop them without worry for time, but merely the feel of the film. He has compiled soundtracks before and he was the primary musical source for “Lost Highway”, a spellbinding work. But this score speaks to Trent’s uncanny capability to create music that is rife with mood, yet remains subtle and controlled by Aaron Sorkin’s script; a work of Shakespearean proportions in its own right.
What the soundtrack exemplifies is a practice in a technique that I have only heard in a short list of other scores. Trent & Atticus have developed a sound that builds the film and is as important as every other component in the film. While Hans Zimmer may compile the loudest, densest tones (a la Inception) to the point of creating the most iconic memory of the film (especially for the sake of comedy), Trent & Atticus have made a score that can not be separated from the film, they are completed by one another. And to that, as always with Mr. Reznor and his esteemed partner Atticus Ross, my hat is off to them.
See this film if you have not already, buy the soundtrack if you have not already. Though I must also mention the recreation of a San Francisco club scene, with the lovely redux of Cassius’ “Sound of Violence” by Dennis de Laat. This is quite possibly the best reproduction of my favorite memories of clubland and a wonderful use of sound, light and the Director’s truly genius vision. A brilliant scene and a singular, excellent song choice.
keep listening.
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