The full musical theme for The Batman was unveiled by the director before the weekend. The full piece from the film's composer Michael Giacchino is a blast, even though it has been heard in thunderous snippets in recent trailers. It is not as dark and broody as people think it is, it is also not as dour as you would think, and it is also not as sad as you would think. It reminds you that Giacchino is one of the best composers we have today, and that character-specific musical themes can be good when they are allowed to exist.
It felt like you could easily identify a character theme back when genre fare was relatively new. Danny Elfman and John Williams are two heavy hitters who just never seem to miss. Williams has a great resume, from Indiana Jones to Harry Potter. Alan Silvestri is in the same place, even if it feels like his theme is cut off at the knees before it can build up its grand triumph. It only hits during the credits of Endgame because it is a celebration of the original cast and not fighting to get noticed as the heroes stand in action movies poses. There have been great compositions from Ramin Djawadi, Bear McCreary, and Natalie Holt in recent years. Strong musical themes and character themes feel like an afterthought.
It is true in superhero movies. Outside of maybe Captain America and Ant-Man's music from respective composers Henry Jackman and Christophe Beck, the majority of the films in the universe don't have any themes, and they rely on 70s and 80s rock to stand in as replacements. I will listen to a good single from a rock band or pop star whenever I can, but these superhero movies can't just keep coasting on needle drops and hoping fans will make their scenes "epic"
There are good themes out there. In recent years, Ludwig Gransson has done great work. He deserves props for showing restraint in choosing to let his work speak for itself instead of relying on the franchise's old music to guide him, as the themes to The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett are very important to him. As much as it is hot and cold for people, I have come to really like the theme for Wonder Woman, mainly because it is just Tina Guo losing her mind on that electric cello. Ancient Lamentation Music is more distinct than it should be. It was Daniel Pemberton who killed it for Into the Spider-Verse, giving us something that we never got before in a superhero movie.
Even if you don't realize it at the moment, the music is just as important as the visuals in sci-fi and fantasy. If you have other character and musical themes that you like, post them in the comments.
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