Alexandre Desplat: 'The first thing is, you can't write movie music if you don't know how to write quickly.'

The first thing is, you can't write movie music if you don't know how to write quickly.

In the world of film scoring, Alexandre Desplat, one of the most renowned and talented composers of our time, once said, "The first thing is, you can't write movie music if you don't know how to write quickly." At first glance, this quote may seem simple and straightforward - highlighting the importance of efficiency in the fast-paced industry of movie-making. However, when we delve deeper into this notion, it becomes clear that Desplat's words hold a profound philosophy that extends beyond the world of cinema.Summarizing Desplat's quote, it is evident that he emphasizes the necessity of writing movie music quickly. In the context of film scoring, this requirement is a fundamental skill. With tight deadlines and ever-evolving demands, composers must be able to adapt swiftly and efficiently to create emotive and memorable music that enhances the storytelling experience. In a practical sense, writing rapidly becomes indispensable for success in this field.Now, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to bring a touch of intrigue to this discussion. While Desplat's quote centers around the concept of speed, one can argue that the essence lies not in velocity itself, but in the ability to capture and convey the essence of a story within a limited timeframe. In other words, it is not simply about moving quickly, but rather about distilling the essence of a narrative into a composition swiftly.When examining this concept, we find a parallel in the philosophy of minimalism. Minimalism, as an artistic and philosophical movement, focuses on stripping away unnecessary elements to reveal the core essence. Applying this perspective to Desplat's quote, one can argue that the ability to write movie music quickly necessitates a deep understanding of the core emotions, themes, and messages within a film. In this context, speed becomes a means to achieve clarity and efficiency, leading to a more impactful musical composition.Contrasting this philosophical perspective with the practical reality of composing movie music, we are reminded of the complexity that lies beneath the seemingly straightforward requirement of speed. The process of capturing the heart of a film within a short period of time requires immense skill, intuition, and creativity. It means deciphering the director's vision, immersing oneself in the narrative, and translating it into a sonic language that resonates with audiences. Therefore, it becomes evident that the ability to write quickly does not compromise quality, but rather demands a deeper level of craftsmanship.Alexandre Desplat's quote, "The first thing is, you can't write movie music if you don't know how to write quickly," carries a profound philosophy that extends beyond the realm of film scoring. It reminds us of the importance of capturing the essence of a story within a limited timeframe, drawing comparisons to the minimalist approach to art. This quotation also highlights the skill, intuition, and creativity required to translate a director's vision into a musical composition, underscoring the depth and complexity behind the seemingly simple requirement of speed. Ultimately, Desplat's words serve as a reminder that time is a valuable resource, urging composers and creators to embrace efficiency without compromising the quality of their craft.