Overview

How can a film score make you cheer, shiver, cry or punch the air? How do directors communicate their musical vision to composers? And when does a soundtrack take on a life of its own? In Mark Kermode's Surround Sound the award-winning film critic, together with radio producer Jenny Nelson, embarks on a full-throttle trip down the glorious rabbit hole of film composition. Celebrating the emotional connection that audiences form with film music, exploring the evolution of film scoring from silent films to the present day, and examining how what we hear has an impact on what we see, Mark talks to some of his favourite composers and delves into the movie music he loves. Including interviews with extraordinary talents from Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood to Oscar-winning composers Rachel Portman and Howard Shore, and telling the stories behind iconic soundtracks such as Jocelyn Pook's Eyes Wide Shut, Michael Kamen's Brazil and Vangelis's Blade Runner, Mark Kermode's Surround Sound is a thrilling take on how great scores are brought to life on the silver screen.

Full Product Details

9781447230564

Table of Contents

Reviews

A deft symphony of a book, expertly conducted -- Nick de Semlyen, author of <i>The Last Action Heroes</i> Passionate without being didactic . . . reminds us that cinema is an art form for the ear as well as the eye -- Richard Ayoade, author of <i>Ayoade on Top</i> Essential reading . . . full of intelligence and insights. I can't think of any book on the subject that has as much scope -- Anne Dudley, Oscar winner

Movie music may be an essential component of cinema but it often gets overlooked. [Mark Kermode's Surround Sound] gives it the focus it deserves, revealing the stories and the people behind your favourite film scores. -- Nick de Semlyen, editor of <i>Empire</i> and author of <i>The Last Action Heroes</i> Part memoir, part detailed examination of the essence of film music, Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound goes way beyond the usual suspects to explore the music of many half-forgotten and less mainstream composers. I learned a lot. -- Anne Dudley, Oscar winning composer for <i>The Full Monty</i> Passionate without being didactic . . . reminds us that cinema is an art form for the ear as well as the eye. -- Richard Ayoade A fascinating read for every film music enthusiast. -- Rachel Portman, Oscar winning composer for <i>Emma</i>

Author Information

Mark Kermode is a film critic, writer, broadcaster and musician. He is the co-presenter of the Sony podcast 'Kermode and Mayo's Take', and the BBC Radio 4 programme 'Screenshot'. He is the author of several books on film and music including Hatchet Job and How Does it Feel? He is co-founder and double-bassist of the skiffle & blues band The Dodge Brothers, who (with pianist Neil Brand) provide live accompaniment to silent movies. Jenny Nelson is an award-winning audio producer and writer. She produced Mark Kermode's film music show at Scala Radio from 2019-24, and in her previous role as Executive Producer at Classic FM she wrote a book about creative collaborations between film directors and composers. Jenny has hosted panels about screen music at London's Southbank Centre and Abbey Road, and is a former trustee at the Cambridge Film Festival.

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