Notes on Jerry Goldsmith and Changes in Film Music (1950s-1970s)

Cultural Changes in Hollywood (1950s - 1970s)

  • Evolving Audience Demographics:

    • Increasing complexity in audience categories.
    • Changing tastes led to a decline in cinema's dominance due to television's rise.

  • The Threat of Television:

    • Television democratized entertainment, providing immediate access to audiences.
    • Studios faced pressure to attract audiences back to cinemas.

  • Rights of Film Composers:

    • Formation of the Screen Composers’ Association (1953) aimed at protecting composers' rights.
    • Traditionally, copyright was maintained by producers; composers struggled for their rights.
    • ASCAP’s attempts to increase licensing fees faced legal challenges, impacting composers’ royalty earnings.

  • McCarthyism in Hollywood:

    • The Red Scare led to paranoia and suspicion, affecting many careers.
    • Notable composer Elmer Bernstein survived scrutiny but faced stigma, later redeeming his reputation.

  • Unraveling Industry Standards:

    • 1952 U.S. Supreme Court ruling limited studios' monopolistic practices like block booking.
    • As theaters lost control over film exhibition, studios began loaning equipment to television.

Musical Innovations and Changes

  • Scoring in a New Era:

    • A period of transformation allowed composers to explore creative opportunities.
    • Technological advancements, especially television, helped composers refine their skills.

  • Impact of Television on Composers:

    • Examples include Jerry Goldsmith, who gained prominence via "The Twilight Zone."
    • Goldsmith’s early exposure to experimental music shaped his future scores.

  • Influence of Jerry Goldsmith:

    • Merging traditional scoring with modern techniques, connecting past styles with contemporary trends.
    • Acknowledged for his creativity and influence on future composers like Marco Beltrami.

  • Goldsmith's Background:

    • Natural talent and diverse training, influenced by classical music and avant-garde styles.
    • Emphasized the importance of evolving his musical style with each project.

Key Scores of the Era

  • Psycho and Unconventional Approaches:

    • Bernard Herrmann’s score for "Psycho" showcased new techniques.

  • Elmer Bernstein's Success:

    • "The Magnificent Seven" score as a quintessential example of Americana in film music.
    • Bernstein’s melodic skills and ability to energize films with his compositions.

  • Revolution of Film Scoring:

    • Technological advancements began to merge electronic elements with orchestral scoring.
    • Various composers, including Morricone, reinvented traditional genres with unique soundscapes.

  • Cinematic Boundaries Redefined:

    • John Barry and other contemporaries influenced the balance between traditional and modern film scoring.

Iconic Film Scores and Their Impact

  • "Planet of the Apes" (1968):

    • Goldsmith's score marked a defining moment in avant-garde film music.
    • Utilized unconventional sounds to enhance the emotional depth of the film.

  • "The Omen" (1976):

    • Goldsmith’s blend of Gregorian chants and orchestral elements elevated horror scores.
    • Received an Academy Award, solidifying his position in cinematic history.

  • Star Trek Series:

    • Goldsmith's iconic themes became synonymous with the franchise, showcasing his versatility.
    • Developed a signature sound that blended traditional orchestral compositions with modern elements.

Conclusion and Legacy

  • Jerry Goldsmith's career exemplified a significant evolution in film music, synthesizing earlier traditions with innovative practices.
  • His legacy influenced not only his contemporaries but also subsequent generations of composers.