Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film)
Soundtrack album by
Robbie Robertson
ReleasedOctober 20, 2023 (2023-10-20)
Genre
Length53:11
Language
LabelSony Masterworks
ProducerRobbie Robertson
Martin Scorsese film soundtrack chronology
The Irishman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
(2019)		 Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film)
(2023)

Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film) is the soundtrack album composed by Robbie Robertson for the 2023 film Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese. It was Robertson's final completed film score before he died in August 2023;[1][2] the film is dedicated to his memory.[3]

Background

Composer Robbie Robertson himself was of First Nations descent; his mother had Cayuga and Mohawk ancestry and was raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario.[4] Although Robertson did not want to compose "any stereotypical Indian music" for the soundtrack,[5] his heritage and experiences helped him incorporate tribal elements into the blues rock sound of the album.[6][7]

I was gathering pictures in my head of music I heard as a child at the Six Nations Indian Reserve. My relatives are all sitting around with their instruments, and one guy would start a rhythm, and then somebody would start singing a melody to that, and it was just haunting. The feeling of the music beside you like that, humming and droning—the groove and the feel of it got under my skin and it lives there forever.

— Robbie Robertson[6]

Robertson had a long-standing personal and working relationship with director Martin Scorsese, and had most recently compiled the soundtrack of Scorsese's 2019 film The Irishman.[8][9] Scorsese had considered Robertson one of his closest friends and confidants.[10]

Regarding Robertson's score, actress Lily Gladstone, who plays Mollie Kyle in the film, stated, "As young Native kids living around the [reservation] with my dad who loved The Band, loved Bob Dylan, loved Martin Scorsese, it was truly an honor to tell the story against [Robertson's] music and his greatness."[11]

Composition

Unable to read or write music, Robertson was initially hesitant to work with orchestrator Mark Graham, who had previously worked with the likes of John Williams and Alexandre Desplat.[12] In addition, Scorsese did not want traditional "movie music" for his score, and Robertson was preoccupied with not delivering an ordinary product.[13] During principal photography, Robertson visited the film set in Oklahoma to meet with Osage musicians and ensure the authenticity of his music.[14]

In July 2021, Robertson began sending Graham brief videos of his ideas for the score, which including him strumming the guitar or singing. Robertson put together an ensemble which included guitars, keyboards, mandolins, cellos, mandocellos, a zither, a manzarene, and a harmonica. The unorthodox band then gathered at Robertson's studio in Los Angeles to record the score.[12]

Sometimes, it’s a small build, but this was a really big one. A lot of music was involved with this. I wanted to build an orchestra of guitar sounds with different variations of the instrument. I kept building and building the orchestra and then I tore it down and tried to keep its soul.

— Robbie Robertson[15]

As Scorsese prefers to not to edit his films to temp scores, Robertson had completed a first draft of the score by the time filming had wrapped.[16] Despite Robertson's progressing cancer, he was able to complete the score and attend a private album release party before he passed away in August 2023.[12] Scorsese called Robertson's score "the beating heart of the picture" and "one of the most beautiful scores ever written for a film."[17][18]

The Osage language song "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)", used in the final scene of the film, was composed by Osage Nation members Scott George, Kenny Bighorse, and Vann Bighorse. Regarding the piece, George stated, "It’s talking about our people, asking our people to stand up. We know that God has gotten us this far and it’s acknowledging that. It’s saying Wahzhazhe Ni-ka-zhi: stand up ... the meaning is we’re thankful that we’re here and we’ve gone this far."[19]

Critical reception

Brian Tallerico of Roger Ebert wrote that "Robbie Robertson's thrumming score is practically a character, giving the film a heartbeat that adds tension to its notable runtime. This story wouldn't have nearly the same momentum with a traditional, classical score.[20] Hamish MacBain of the Evening Standard wrote that Robertson's score was "absolutely fantastic, particularly the recurring, minimal, two note retro-bass motif that effectively ramps up the tension at key points."[21] Moira Macdonald of The Seattle Times called Robertson's score "quietly powerful,"[22] while Peter Travers of ABC News called it "haunting" and "a fitting legacy" for Robertson's career.[23]

Tim Grieving of the Los Angeles Times wrote that "Robertson's contribution is an astonishing and lively musical ecosystem that gives immediate authenticity to Scorsese's equally vivid presentation of Osage life and culture in 1920s Oklahoma. It's music that proudly worships and dances with these people — and alternately weeps for their oppression, at times sounding almost sick at their treatment by the story's white predators." He also called the soundtrack "the best music Robertson ever wrote for the screen."[1]

Live performances

On November 15, 2023, Martin Scorsese held a tribute concert for Robertson, which included excerpts from his Killers of the Flower Moon score. Notable guests included Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, who both starred in the film.[24][25]

Accolades

Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film) awards and nominations
Award Year[lower-alpha 1] Category Result Ref.
Hollywood Music in Media Awards 2023 Best Original Score in a Feature Film Won [26]
St. Louis Film Critics Association Awards 2023 Best Score Runner-up [27]
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards 2023 Best Score Nominated [28]
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards 2023 Best Original Score Won [29]
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards 2023 Best Musical Score Won [30]
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards 2023 Best Score Nominated [31]
Astra Film Awards 2024 Best Score Nominated [32]
Golden Globe Awards 2024 Best Original Score Nominated [33]
Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2024 Best Score Nominated [34]
Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards 2024 Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film Pending [35]
Satellite Awards 2024 Best Original Score Pending [36]

Ahead of the 96th Academy Awards, the score was shortlisted for Best Original Score and the song "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" was shortlisted for Best Original Song.[37][38]

Track listing

Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film) track listing
No.TitlePerformer(s)Length
1."Intro (The Sacred Pipe)" 0:38
2."Osage Oil Boom" 2:51
3."My Land...My Land" 2:10
4."Heartbeat Theme/ Ni-U-Kon-Ska" 3:33
5."They Don't Live Long" 2:55
6."The Wedding" 2:04
7."Tribal Council" 1:12
8."Reign of Terror" 2:51
9."Insulin Train" 2:50
10."Tulsa Massacre Newsreel" 2:24
11."Shame on Us" 2:42
12."Too Much Dynamite" 2:56
13."Not if it's Illegal" 2:47
14."Salvation Adagio" 3:11
15."Still Standing" 3:48
16."Tupelo Blues"
2:53
17."Livery Stable Blues"
1:54
18."The Gallop, Chasse, Pas de Bouree"Adam Nielsen0:37
19."Metropolis (A Blue Fantasie)"
  • Vince Giordano
  • Nighthawks
2:10
20."Mollie"Andy Stein0:20
21."Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)"Osage Tribal Singers6:25
Total length:53:11

Release history

Release history and formats for Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film)
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various October 20, 2023 Sony Masterworks [39]
United States December 8, 2023 CD [40]
December 15, 2023 LP [41]

Notes

    1. ↑ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

    References

    1. 1 2 Greiving, Tim (August 10, 2023). "Robbie Robertson was on the verge of his greatest success with Martin Scorsese". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    2. ↑ Morris, Chris (August 9, 2023). "Robbie Robertson, Leader of The Band, Dies at 80". Variety. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    3. ↑ Menta, Anna (October 20, 2023). "'Killers of the Flower Moon' Ends With a Touching Dedication to Longtime Scorsese Collaborator Robbie Robertson". Decider. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
    4. ↑ McArdle, Tommy (August 10, 2023). "Martin Scorsese Remembers The Band Guitarist and Musical Collaborator Robbie Robertson: 'I Loved' Him". People. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    5. ↑ Willman, Chris (October 21, 2023). "A Last Conversation With Robbie Robertson, About 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and Reconvening With Martin Scorsese: 'It's Just Been a Gift in Life'". Variety. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
    6. 1 2 Strauss, Matthew (October 20, 2023). "Listen to Robbie Robertson's Soundtrack for New Martin Scorsese Movie Killers of the Flower Moon". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    7. ↑ Breihan, Tom (October 20, 2023). "Robbie Roberston's Posthumous Soundtrack For Martin Scorsese's 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' Out Now: Stream". Stereogum. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    8. ↑ Ford, Rebecca (November 27, 2019). "'The Irishman' Composer on Not Creating a "Traditional Movie Score" for Gangster Epic". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    9. ↑ Blistein, Jon (November 1, 2019). "Robbie Robertson Details Soundtrack for Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    10. ↑ Bloom, Madison (August 9, 2023). "Martin Scorsese Remembers the Band's Robbie Robertson: "I Could Always Go to Him as a Confidante"". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
    11. ↑ Tramel, Jimmie (January 10, 2024). "Award-worthy: Robbie Robertson's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' score helps tell film's story". Tulsa World. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
    12. 1 2 3 Greiving, Tim (November 13, 2023). "For his final work, with Martin Scorsese, Robbie Robertson found a personal connection". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
    13. ↑ Rice, Lynette (November 10, 2023). "How Robbie Robertson Avoided "Movie Music" In His Score For 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' – Sound & Screen Film". Deadline. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
    14. ↑ Galuppo, Mia (September 26, 2023). "Martin Scorsese Talks Working With the Osage Nation, Late 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Composer Robbie Robertson". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    15. ↑ Harrison, Scoop (October 20, 2023). "Robbie Robertson's Killers of the Flower Moon Soundtrack Receives Posthumous Release". Consequence. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    16. ↑ Gomez, Dessi (October 17, 2023). "Robbie Robertson's Manager Recalls Martin Scorsese's Love of Harmonica During 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Editing". TheWrap. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    17. ↑ Leatham, Thomas (November 17, 2023). "Martin Scorsese hosts Robbie Robertson tribute concert". Far Out Magazine. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
    18. ↑ Boisvert, Lauren (November 17, 2023). "Martin Scorsese Hosted a Tribute Concert for Robbie Robertson with Performances from Jackson Browne, Jason Isbell, and More". American Songwriter. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
    19. ↑ Polacca, Benny (September 28, 2023). "Osage Nation officials and 'Killers of the Flower Moon' crew members attend New York premiere". Osage News. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
    20. ↑ Tallerico, Brian (October 20, 2023). "Killers of the Flower Moon movie review (2023)". Roger Ebert. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
    21. ↑ MacBain, Hamish (October 20, 2023). "Killers of the Flower Moon: Lily Gladstone shines in Scorsese's oeuvre". Evening Standard. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
    22. ↑ Macdonald, Moira (October 19, 2023). "'Killers of the Flower Moon' review: Lily Gladstone is electric in Scorsese's master class of a film". The Seattle Times. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
    23. ↑ Travers, Peter (October 20, 2023). "Review: Martin Scorsese delivers a new movie classic with 'Killers of the Flower Moon'". ABC News. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
    24. ↑ Chelin, Pamela (November 16, 2023). "Martin Scorsese Hosts Robbie Robertson Tribute Concert, With Jackson Browne and Others Paying Musical Homage". Variety. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
    25. ↑ Bergeson, Samantha (November 16, 2023). "Martin Scorsese Honors Robbie Robertson's Legacy with Tribute Concert: The Musician 'Broke Barriers'". IndieWire. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
    26. ↑ "2023 HMMA WINNERS AND NOMINEES". Hollywood Music In Media Awards. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
    27. ↑ "Annual StLFCA Awards". St. Louis Film Critics Association. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
    28. ↑ Gordon, Tim (December 10, 2023). "2023 WAFCA Award Winner". Washington DC Area Film Critics Association. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
    29. ↑ Anderson, Erik (December 8, 2023). "Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) Nominations: 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Oppenheimer,' 'Poor Things' Lead with 10 Each". AwardsWatch. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
    30. ↑ Jorgenson, Todd (December 18, 2023). "DFW FILM CRITICS NAME "THE HOLDOVERS" BEST PICTURE OF 2023". Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
    31. ↑ Neglia, Matt (December 21, 2023). "The 2023 Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Winners". Next Best Picture. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
    32. ↑ Grein, Paul (January 7, 2024). "A 'Barbie' Song Won at 2024 Astra Film Awards, But It Wasn't the Billie Eilish Hit". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
    33. ↑ Lang, Brent; Moreau, Jordan (January 8, 2024). "Golden Globes: 'Oppenheimer' Leads With Five Wins, 'Succession' Tops TV With Four (Complete Winners List)". Variety. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
    34. ↑ Shanfeld, Ethan (January 15, 2024). "Critics Choice Awards 2024: Winners List (Updating Live)". Variety. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
    35. ↑ Haring, Bruce (December 22, 2023). "Society of Composers And Lyricists Sets SCL Nominees". Deadline. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
    36. ↑ "IPA Reveals Nominations for the 28th Satellite™ Awards". International Press Academy. December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
    37. ↑ Bergeson, Samantha (December 21, 2023). "2024 Oscar Shortlists Unveiled: 'Barbie,' 'Poor Things,' 'Maestro,' and 'The Zone of Interest' Make the Cut". IndieWire. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
    38. ↑ Davis, Clayton (December 21, 2023). "Oscar Shortlists Announced for 10 Categories: 'Barbie' Leads the Way". Variety. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
    39. ↑ "Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film), Robbie Robertson". Qobuz. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    40. ↑ "Robbie Robertson - Killers of the Flower Moon - (CD, Vinyl LP)". Rough Trade. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    41. ↑ "Robbie Robertson - Killers of the Flower Moon (Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film) [LP]". Strictly Discs. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.