Alexandre Desplat: 'When you compose, it's like writing. You're like a writer. You just think all the time.'

When you compose, it's like writing. You're like a writer. You just think all the time.

The quote by Alexandre Desplat, "When you compose, it's like writing. You're like a writer. You just think all the time," encompasses the essence of the creative process in a succinct and relatable manner. Desplat, a renowned composer known for his exquisite film scores, draws a parallel between composing music and writing, highlighting the constant mental engagement required in both endeavors. This quote emphasizes the importance of sustained thought and the continuous flow of ideas that drives the creative process.At its core, the quote speaks to the notion that composing music, like writing, demands a deep and perpetual state of contemplation. Whether crafting melodies, harmonies, or orchestration, the composer's mind remains in a perpetual state of ideation, constantly seeking inspiration and finding ways to translate abstract thoughts and emotions into tangible musical expressions. Similar to how writers engage in a constant search for the right words and phrases to capture their thoughts, composers embark on a journey to find the perfect notes and arrangements to evoke specific feelings or narratives.The significance of Desplat's quote becomes even more intriguing when we delve into an unexpected philosophical concept known as "the infinite well of creativity." In this context, we explore the idea that creativity is an infinite source. Just as a well never runs dry, the capacity to generate new ideas and artistic expressions seems boundless for those who embrace the creative process.Within the realm of creativity, composers and writers are akin to explorers, delving deep into the well of inspiration, drawing from its infinite depths to create their works. The continuous thinking and contemplation highlighted in Desplat's quote can be seen in this philosophical concept as a perpetual diving into the well of creativity. As composers and writers explore the depths of this well, they encounter untapped ideas, uncharted territories of emotions, and unexplored combinations of sounds or words.The comparison between writing and composing also draws attention to the inherent connection between the two art forms. Both mediums share the common goal of capturing the intricacies of the human experience and conveying them to an audience. Writers use words and composers use music, yet the intention remains the same - to engage, evoke, and transcend the ordinary.In the act of writing, ideas are molded into sentences, paragraphs, and stories through a series of conscious decisions. Similarly, composers mold their thoughts into melodies, harmonies, and structures, making use of musical language and techniques. However, what sets the creative process apart is the perpetual thinking that Desplat alludes to. It is a process that transcends conscious decision-making, reaching into the realm of intuition and instinct.This continuous stream of thought is what allows composers and writers to tap into the boundless realm of creativity and produce their best work. It is in those moments of flow, when ideas seamlessly flow from the mind onto paper or into musical notation, that the magic truly happens. In that state, composers and writers become vessels through which inspiration flows, allowing their work to transcend the ordinary and resonate with others on a profound level.In conclusion, Alexandre Desplat's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the perpetual thinking required in the creative process. Composing and writing demand continuous contemplation and ideation, akin to diving into an infinite well of creativity. This connection between the two art forms highlights their shared goal of exploring the human experience and conveying it to an audience. By embracing the constant flow of thought, composers and writers tap into the wellspring of inspiration, enabling them to create works that transcend the ordinary and leave a lasting impact on those who encounter their art.