Imagine the following situation as a soundtrack composer:
- You are short on time
- Expectations are enormous
- Your predecessor is perhaps THE best soundtrack composer of all time and has created the most iconic musical themes for the prequels (and sequels…)
- Thousands of nerds (including me) are ready to completely trash your work if you make the tiniest mistake.
That is the exact situation Michael Giacchino faced as he took on the assignment to write the new Rogue One soundtrack. So first off: great job!
I have one major issue with the soundtrack, so let’s get that one out of the way first. It is the opening theme in the last part of “A long ride ahead” when the Rogue One text is shown on the screen. Why, Michael, why did you choose a fifth interval between the first two notes in the fanfare? Similar to how certain jerseys are retired by sports teams after an iconic player has used a certain dorsal in their careers, “the fifth” in the opening of a sci-fi movie theme should be retired – especially in another Star Wars film. Additionally, I thought the whole opening theme (although short) sounded more like it came from Spaceballs than Star Wars. Sorry – but it’s true.
While we are on the topic on references to the old Star Wars themes, I think there is a good balance of old and new. Throughout the film, several references are made to the force theme, the original fanfare, Vader’s theme, etc. In “Trust goes both ways” when the force theme is referenced (in Gm) I am slightly dissapointed at it not leading in to the resolving C major chord at the end of the first phrase… it’s like only riding a roller-coaster on the way up, but not staying for the rest.
“Cargo Shuttle SW-0608” is an interesting track. It is verging on the “atonal” with chromatic progressions in the strings, however it is very similar to the ROTJ theme when the Shuttle Tyderium is approaching Endor. I wonder whether in composition school there is a special lecture for “themes for awaiting clearance while in stolen imperial cargo shuttles”. In that case both John Williams and Michael Giacchino took the same one. (or perhaps JW is the teacher?)
My favorite track of the score is “Scrambling the Rebel Fleet”. I feel this is the track where MG just lets go of the all the pressures of writing a Star Wars score and simply composes. (The force theme referenced here is somewhat manipulated, but since it ends in a major subdominant this time, I can let it go…)
One of the musical references I was hoping for in the movie was the use of pianos for the AT-AT scenes – but alas – no such luck for “AT-ACT Assault”.
“The Master Switch” and “Your father would be proud” are two pieces that are brilliant from a soundtrack perspective (perhaps apart from the fifth interval in 1:31 of The Master Switch – sorry, just can’t let it go…). The majestic use of strings, brass and choir, combined with the solo violin is awesome! I would like to think that A, C, A, E in the brass is something Giacchino did on purpose. Well done. It has the same kind of “end of all things”-kind of sound as “Twilight and Shadow” from Return of the King. In “Your father would be proud” it is interesting to note that in 0:24 it has almost the exact same orchestration and key as “Yoda’s Theme” from ESB… coincidence?
“Hope” is not exactly hopeful – but wow what a piece! I like how it ties in to the old “Imperial Attack” theme. At this time when I watched the movie in the theater, I was so frustrated at never having heard a true resolution to the “force” theme, so when I heard it this time I really thought this was going to be the time… but no. MG COME ON!!!
The two major new themses introduced are very well balanced. “Jyn Erso & Hope Suite” suits the character perfectly. It is interesting to hear a violin solo in the beginning of this theme as it is not usually heard in the Star Wars universe (correct me if I’m wrong). When the cello enters with the hope theme, it is much more appropriate than the vulgar fanfare-like orchestration in the opening of the movie. The theme is very similar to “Across the Stars” love theme from EpII but not too similar. “Imperial Suite” is majestic and powerful as it should be – and that’s all I have to say about that.
“Guardians of the Whills Suite” is a lovely tune, but not really a suite, more of a theme. I have a weak spot for choir and orchestra, and if you combine it with awesome string phrases (1:30, and 1:45) I’m all ears!
Was this a fair review? Probably not – but then I’m the wrong person to write such a review. I must admit it was difficult not to hear JW’s score for this movie, but overall I think Michael Giacchino did an awesome job trying to bring new elements to the Star Wars soundtrack while keeping with the general tone.
I wonder if any of the themes will live on beyond this movie. What do you think?
My Verdict:
Stand-Alone Rating: 2/5 – no major new themes added to playlist
Complementing the movie: 4/5
Bonus point for not letting me down: 1
Total: 7/10
The Soundtrack 