Alexandre Desplat: 'It's not about what's a good or bad score at the Oscars, rather what's exposed to the ears more.'

It's not about what's a good or bad score at the Oscars, rather what's exposed to the ears more.

In his statement, Alexandre Desplat, a renowned composer, brings to light an intriguing perspective on the evaluation of film scores at the Oscars. He suggests that the quality or "goodness" of a score should not solely determine its success in the awards, but rather its exposure and impact on the audience's ears. This notion provokes a shift in perspective, challenging the traditional understanding of artistic merit. Embracing this alternative viewpoint, we can explore how aesthetic judgment can be influenced by various philosophical concepts, such as relativism and phenomenology.Desplat's quote emphasizes the significance of a score's connection with the audience and its ability to captivate their senses. It implies that even though a score might be technically brilliant or deserving of critical acclaim, it is primarily the exposure and reception of the music that determine its impact. This consideration invites us to evaluate the success of film scores from a more comprehensive angle, one that takes into account the emotional and experiential connection they establish with viewers.To delve deeper into this discussion, let's introduce the philosophical concept of relativism. Relativism suggests that judgments of value and quality are subjective and context-dependent. Applying this concept to film scores, we can argue that what may be considered a "good" score is contingent upon the individual listener's preferences, cultural background, and emotional response. Different audiences might have diverse reactions to a particular score, resulting in varying evaluations of its quality. In this way, the exposure and reception of a score become paramount, as they determine not only its success but also its perceived value.Contrasting Desplat's idea with phenomenology, a philosophical approach that focuses on the individual's conscious experience, we gain a different perspective on how film scores impact our perception. Phenomenology emphasizes the importance of experiencing the world through our senses and consciousness. Applying this concept to film scores, we can understand that the exposure and connection to the audience's ears are integral to the overall film-watching experience. A score that resonates with viewers, evokes emotions, and enhances their immersion in the narrative is likely to be considered successful, regardless of more traditional assessments of musical composition.Ultimately, Desplat's quote offers a refreshing take on the evaluation of film scores at the Oscars. It challenges the notion of a binary categorization of "good" or "bad" and highlights the significance of the audience's subjective experiences. By considering the philosophical concepts of relativism and phenomenology, we can further appreciate the depth and complexity in assessing the impact and quality of film scores. In this light, the exposure to a score and its ability to resonate with the audience's ears become essential factors in determining its success and, ultimately, its artistic merit.