David Fleming & John Murphy/The Score & Composer Thread

[CaptainWagner]

Michael Abels is still my top-choice, I think. For a more left-field choice, I think Alexandre Desplat could do a very interesting take really capturing the futuristic, utopian side of Metropolis. If any hero could use a bit of that more whimsical touch its Supes. Also, after seeing 'Living,' Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch is more of a new-comer, but showed she can do energetic, uplifting classic-style scores really well.

 

[Silvermoth]

Desplat is my top choice for everything. I think he’s the best at character moments and big action set piece moments

 

[Dr.]

A story.

Years ago, someone in the fan community posted a list of all the Superman music through the decades — with attached music files. It started with the Max Fleischer cartoons, then the George Reeves series and then the John Williams theme. Beyond that, there might have been entries for Superboy, Lois & Clark and Smallville. (?) But the last item on this list caught our attention: music from the abandoned Superman Lives. Now, some of us could almost believe that a composer for that project had been hired; and that he wrote and recorded a “rough draft” of a new theme, which had only recently been leaked online. But the music file in question was clearly of a full and finished orchestration. So, obviously, the Superman Lives claim was BS. Still… it did sound like it could be a Supes theme — heroic, rousing and suitably bombastic. So, at the very least, a plausible fake. Finally, someone Sherlocked its true source…

A cut from the Backdraft soundtrack by (presciently) Hans Zimmer.

 

[Elayis]

John Murphy, here we come.

 

[Mindreaper21]

You’ll get this and some Nickleback.

 

[Sawyer]

Honestly, drop an instrumental version of this during a flying/action scene. It would kill.

 

[GreenKToo]

The more I think about it, the more I'd like Howard shore.

 

[Elayis]

The more I think about it, the more I'd like Howard shore.

I wanted him for Man of Steel before Zimmer was hired.

 

[DorkyFresh]

Not sure who I'd want as composer cuz there are so many good choices tbh! I'd be okay with John Murphy, especially if he can channel his Sunshine score. Whoever ends up scoring the movie, I just want Supes' theme to sound like these.

Skip to a half a minute in for the good stuff!


This one covers all the bases, including romance theme at 1:44 and the threat at 2:55. There's even a homage to William's theme at 4:05!!


Skip to 2:04 for this one. That little part, not the whole theme.


When I close my eyes and think of Superman, these are the types of melodies that fill my earholes.
Inspirational, powerful, moving, soaring, bright, upbeat, whimsical, cheerful, hopeful, and full of wonder.

 

[old city outlaw]

Honestly, drop an instrumental version of this during a flying/action scene. It would kill.

A Flock Of Seagulls are one of my favorite bands of all time. I avoided listening to them for years because I only knew them for their lead singer's ridiculous haircut.

 

[Silvermoth]

It might be fun to do something other than classical all the time. Something like this

 

[Alien Anal]

It might be fun to do something other than classical all the time. Something like this

I can see what you are thinking and I'm sure you aren't saying "just use this theme" but a lot of what's going on in that tune, the bells and such sound ominous and deathly.

I'm not saying stick with Williams theme but there is a good YouTube video out there that discusses why he uses particular motifs in his music from Star Wars to Superman and it's a lot of musical history involved that evokes particular emotions.

The idea of the tune you posted sounded more Terminator rather than Superman, which is suppose to be uplifting and inspiring.

I can't remember who said it but basically it was you should be able to sing the words "Superman" through out whatever theme he has. If you listen to majority of the classic themes Supes has had it actually works.

 

[The Caped Knight]

Honestly it's tough to make a great Superman theme. John Williams made such an iconic theme. I liked Hans Zimmer Man of Steel theme but in comparison Williams is still superior.

 

[Silvermoth]

Yeah I’ve been listening to it while I play Lego Batman 3 and it’s just unbeatable. Pure superman

 

[Kane52630]

Now that we know Gunn is directing, it's safe to say there will be a soundtrack of sorts. Question is, what songs do you think Gunn will use?

 

[Kane52630]

My first two immediate picks

 

[titansupes]

How dare you make me listen to this three times in a row.

 

[TheScarecrow]

I might be in the minority here, but Superman deserves more respect than licensed music.

I want an amazing, iconic score. Gunn can have one "inspiration" song like Reeves did.

 

[BobJM]

Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen

 

[Sawyer]

I might be in the minority here, but Superman deserves more respect than licensed music.

I want an amazing, iconic score. Gunn can have one "inspiration" song like Reeves did.

I’ve seen this a few times and it just seems like a narrow, rigid idea of what Superman should be.

Granted, I don’t want as much music as Guardians of the Galaxy, but I don’t think 3-4-5 songs would be the end of the world.

 

[TheScarecrow]

I’ve seen this a few times and it just seems like a narrow, rigid idea of what Superman should be.

Granted, I don’t want as much music as Guardians of the Galaxy, but I don’t think 3-4-5 songs would be the end of the world.

Possibly.

I think licensed music, in a general sense, cheapens a film.

It can be used sparingly and to good effect - The Batman, for example. But do you think The Dark Knight would benefit from having licensed music? I agree that Gunn normally uses it to good effect, but that's because he works it into his characters. I'm not sure that Superman is a licensed music kind of character.

 

[Alien Anal]

Beastie Boys - Intergalactic

Nancy Sinatra - These boots are made for walking

The White Stripes - Aluminum

Bowie - The man who sold the world

ELO - Mr blue sky (or whatever it's called)

 

[Invader Joker]

Possibly.

I think licensed music, in a general sense, cheapens a film.

It can be used sparingly and to good effect - The Batman, for example. But do you think The Dark Knight would benefit from having licensed music? I agree that Gunn normally uses it to good effect, but that's because he works it into his characters. I'm not sure that Superman is a licensed music kind of character.

I honestly think that showing that Superman has bands he listens to and songs he really likes would be a small but significant detail that'd go a looong way towards making the character more relatable to people.

 

[Silvermoth]

I would love to open the floor to something new. But I know it’s a hard pitch because superman has to appeal to every generation and the easiest way to do that is just to walk it in with a John Williams esque type score

 

[GreenKToo]

IF any licensed songs are used, I'd prefer a couple that are already classics.
Stay away from any new modern music.