Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Prefer Movie Soundtracks Because “the Culture of the Music World Sucks”

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As a seasoned gamer with a profound appreciation for music and cinema, I find myself deeply resonating with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross‘ journey. Their transition from the rock world to movie soundtracks seems like a natural progression for artists seeking a more collaborative, creative experience.

This week, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross shared that they shifted towards creating movie soundtracks partly due to their growing dissatisfaction with the music industry, as artists of Nine Inch Nails.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, famed for their ’80s rock band, are also the creators of iconic film soundtracks for movies such as The Social Network, Gone Girl, Bird Box, Mank, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Soul, among others. According to Reznor, speaking to IndieWire, “What we seek in films is the collaborative experience with fascinating individuals.” He added that they haven’t found this type of collaboration from the music world for their own reasons.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but echo Trent Reznor’s sentiments about the current state of the music world. He and his partner have expressed their disenchantment with it, describing it as culturally draining. The impact of technology on the music industry is profound, not just in how we consume music but also in the worth assigned to it. I’m not voicing this critique as a grumpy old-timer, but as a music enthusiast who has witnessed music’s central role evolve. Nowadays, music often seems confined to serving as a backdrop or accompaniment to other activities. It’s a tale tinged with bitterness.

The musician noted that their success in movie scoring comes from being involved in projects where they’re contributing to something larger than themselves. They don’t have complete control over these projects, but instead collaborate closely with a director or small team, striving together to bring a shared vision to life. This allows them the freedom from worrying about marketing strategies and other external factors.

Reznor and Ross have gained significant recognition for their frequent collaborations with director Luca Guadagnino. Notably, they’ve worked together on the Timothée Chalamet thriller “Bones and All,” this year’s tennis-themed movie “Challengers” starring Zendaya, and the recently released period romantic drama “Queer” featuring Daniel Craig. They are also set to score Guadagnino’s upcoming film, the contemporary thriller “After the Hunt.

Ross stated, “Luca isn’t a control freak regarding details.” He added, “Each of his movies is remarkably unique. For instance, in Bones and All, Luca’s impact on the score was minimal, if at all. With Challengers, when he suggested dance music, the challenge for any filmmaker is always ‘How can we best tell this story?’ In my opinion, the optimal way to narrate the tale of Challengers was through the medium of dance music. It gave the movie a vibrant feel that I believe reflects Luca’s innovative vision. He has a comprehensive concept of what his films symbolize, and his dedication is boundless.

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2024-12-13 06:55