Nomadland Score: The Collaboration Between Chloé Zhao and Ludovico Einaudi
The evocative atmosphere of Nomadland is defined not only by its sweeping vistas but by its hauntingly beautiful musical landscape. Director Chloé Zhao sought a sound that could mirror the vastness of nature and the internal journey of the protagonist, Fern. This search led her to the works of Ludovico Einaudi, a composer whose minimalist approach to classical music provided the perfect emotional resonance for the film.
The Creative Connection
Zhao's discovery of Einaudi began on YouTube, where she encountered his piece "Elegy for the Arctic." The composition's connection to the natural world immediately appealed to her vision. Further exploration led her to Einaudi's box set, Seven Days Walking. Zhao noted that the music felt as though the composer were walking through the Alps, creating a parallel experience with Fern's own journey. This shared love of nature became the bridge between the music and the narrative.
For Zhao, the music served as a vehicle for Fern's inner dialogue—the silent conversations she has with herself while traversing diverse landscapes. The score allows the audience to understand Fern's personal evolution through these quiet, reflective moments.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Composition and Philosophy
Upon receiving the script, Einaudi felt an immediate alignment between his existing compositions and the film's themes. His goal was to evoke a sense of openness and freedom, making the music feel as though it were being improvised or created spontaneously during the recording process.
To achieve this, Einaudi approached the recording with a unique structure, dividing the project into seven days. Each day produced a new version of a piece, offering a different form and interpretation. This iterative process mirrored the freedom and fluidity central to the vision of Nomadland.
Music as Architectural Guidance
The relationship between the music and the film extended beyond mere accompaniment. Einaudi recalled that Zhao used his compositions to help guide the structural development of the movie during the editing process. He described the film's architecture as a building where the music acted as the columns; the scenes of travel served as these foundational pillars, around which the rest of the narrative was constructed.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Composer: Ludovico Einaudi.
- Inspiration: Chloé Zhao was inspired by "Elegy for the Arctic" and the Seven Days Walking box set.
- Creative Goal: To represent the inner dialogue of the character Fern and a feeling of freedom.
- Methodology: Einaudi recorded versions over seven days to create varying interpretations of the pieces.
- Editing Role: The music acted as "columns" that helped Zhao structure the film's travel sequences.
- Award Eligibility: The score was ineligible for the 93rd Academy Awards Best Original Score because it utilized previously released music.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Source Material | Seven Days Walking |
| Key Influence | Nature and the Alps |
| Emotional Intent | Inner dialogue and freedom |
| Structural Function | Architectural guide for editing |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Chloé Zhao find Ludovico Einaudi's music?
Zhao discovered Einaudi through a YouTube video of his composition "Elegy for the Arctic" and later listened to his box set Seven Days Walking.
What was the purpose of the music in the film?
The music was intended to represent the inner dialogue of the character Fern, helping the audience understand her internal changes as she moves through different landscapes.
How did Einaudi approach the recording process?
He divided the project into seven days, creating a new version, form, and interpretation of the pieces each day to capture a feeling of improvisation and freedom.
How did the music influence the editing of Nomadland?
Einaudi stated that Zhao used the music as "columns" in the film's architecture, specifically during the traveling sequences, to help guide the overall structure of the movie.
Why wasn't the score nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score?
Because much of the music was taken from Einaudi's earlier releases, such as Seven Days Walking, it did not meet the eligibility requirements for the Best Original Score category at the 93rd Academy Awards.