Top Jerry Goldsmith Movies: A Cinematic Journey through His Masterpieces
Jerry Goldsmith was a prolific composer, conductor, and arranger who left an indelible mark on the film industry. Over the course of his career, he scored more than 200 feature films, television series, and video games, earning 18 Academy Award nominations and one win for his iconic score for The Omen. In this article, we’ll take a cinematic journey through some of Jerry Goldsmith’s most memorable movies and explore the genius behind his music.
1. Planet of the Apes (1968)
Jerry Goldsmith’s score for Planet of the Apes is one of the most iconic in cinematic history. The eerie and dissonant music perfectly captures the otherworldly nature of the film’s setting and the primal, animalistic behavior of the apes. The use of unconventional instruments like the prepared piano and the steel drum adds to the otherworldly feel of the score. Goldsmith’s music is essential to the film’s success, and his main theme has become synonymous with the franchise.
2. Chinatown (1974)
Chinatown is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and Jerry Goldsmith’s score is a big reason why. The film’s haunting main theme perfectly captures the noirish atmosphere of 1930s Los Angeles, and its use of jazz and classical elements adds to the film’s sense of sophistication and elegance. Goldsmith’s score is a masterclass in film composition, and it’s a testament to his versatility as a composer.
3. Alien (1979)
Alien is one of the most iconic horror films of all time, and Jerry Goldsmith’s score plays a big part in its success. Goldsmith’s use of atonal music and dissonant sounds perfectly capture the sense of unease and terror that permeates the film. The use of a full orchestra and choir adds to the grandeur of the score, and the main theme is both haunting and beautiful. Goldsmith’s score is a masterpiece of suspense and horror, and it’s a testament to his ability to craft music that perfectly complements the visuals on screen.
4. Poltergeist (1982)
Poltergeist is a classic horror film that features a memorable score by Jerry Goldsmith. The film’s main theme is both eerie and beautiful, and it perfectly captures the sense of mystery and wonder that permeates the film. Goldsmith’s use of orchestral instruments and synthesizers adds to the otherworldly nature of the score, and his use of dissonant sounds and atonal music adds to the sense of terror and unease. Poltergeist is a classic horror film, and Jerry Goldsmith’s score is a big reason why.
5. Basic Instinct (1992)
Basic Instinct is a classic thriller that features a memorable score by Jerry Goldsmith. The film’s main theme is both sultry and seductive, and it perfectly captures the film’s sense of danger and eroticism. Goldsmith’s use of jazz and classical elements adds to the sophistication of the score, and his use of atonal music and dissonant sounds adds to the sense of unease and danger. Basic Instinct is a classic thriller, and Jerry Goldsmith’s score is a big reason why.
Key Takeaways:
- Jerry Goldsmith was a prolific composer who left an indelible mark on the film industry.
- His scores for films like Planet of the Apes, Chinatown, Alien, Poltergeist, and Basic Instinct are all masterpieces of film composition.
- Goldsmith’s use of atonal music, dissonant sounds, and unconventional instruments helped create some of the most iconic scores in cinematic history.
- If you’re 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 will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the competitive world of music.
