Top 10 Johann Johannsson Movies to Watch Now
Johann Johannsson is a renowned Icelandic composer who has created music for films, television, and theater productions. He has won numerous awards for his work, including a Golden Globe for Best Original Score for the film “The Theory of Everything.” Johannsson’s music is known for its haunting melodies and experimental soundscapes, making it a perfect fit for films that explore complex emotions and themes. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 Johann Johannsson movies that you should watch to experience his incredible musical talent.
- The Theory of Everything (2014): “The Theory of Everything” is a biographical drama film about the life of physicist Stephen Hawking. The film stars Eddie Redmayne as Hawking and Felicity Jones as his wife Jane. Johannsson’s score for the film perfectly captures the emotional journey of the characters, from the joy of falling in love to the heartbreak of a deteriorating relationship.
- Arrival (2016): “Arrival” is a science fiction film about a linguist who is recruited by the military to help communicate with aliens who have landed on Earth. The film stars Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, and Johannsson’s score is both eerie and beautiful, creating a sense of wonder and mystery that perfectly complements the film’s themes.
- Sicario (2015): “Sicario” is a crime thriller about an FBI agent who is recruited to help take down a Mexican drug cartel. The film stars Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio Del Toro, and Johannsson’s score is tense and foreboding, adding to the film’s sense of danger and unease.
- Prisoners (2013): “Prisoners” is a thriller about a man who takes matters into his own hands when his daughter and her friend go missing. The film stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, and Johannsson’s score is haunting and melancholic, perfectly capturing the sense of loss and desperation felt by the characters.
- Mandy (2018): “Mandy” is a horror film about a man who seeks revenge on a cult that killed his girlfriend. The film stars Nicolas Cage and Andrea Riseborough, and Johannsson’s score is both atmospheric and terrifying, adding to the film’s sense of dread and impending doom.
- The Mercy (2018): “The Mercy” is a biographical drama film about the sailor Donald Crowhurst, who attempted to circumnavigate the globe in the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. The film stars Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz, and Johannsson’s score is both beautiful and melancholic, perfectly capturing the isolation and loneliness of being at sea.
- Mary Magdalene (2018): “Mary Magdalene” is a biblical drama film about the life of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ closest followers. The film stars Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix, and Johannsson’s score is both ethereal and haunting, perfectly capturing the spiritual themes of the film.
- The Miners’ Hymns (2010): “The Miners’ Hymns” is a documentary film about the history of coal mining in northeastern England. The film features archival footage and Johannsson’s score, which is both mournful and uplifting, perfectly capturing the struggles and triumphs of the miners and their families.
- Last and First Men (2020): “Last and First Men” is a science fiction film based on the book by Olaf Stapledon. The film features narration by Tilda Swinton and Johannsson’s score, which is both otherworldly and haunting, perfectly capturing the sense of awe and wonder that comes with exploring the unknown.
- Free the Mind (2012): “Free the Mind” is a documentary film about the use of meditation to treat PTSD in veterans and ADHD in children. The film features interviews with experts and Johannsson’s score, which is both calming and introspective, perfectly capturing the sense of peace and healing that comes with mindfulness.
Key Takeaways
Johann Johannsson was a brilliant composer whose music added depth and emotion to some of the most memorable films of the past decade. From the haunting melodies of “The Theory of Everything” to the experimental soundscapes of “Mandy,” his music has left an indelible mark on the film industry. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the music industry, from understanding the business side of music to developing your own unique sound. With the right education and training, you can follow in the footsteps of Johann Johannsson and create music that moves and inspires audiences around the world.
