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Making the Case for ‘Skyfall’ #TheLAMB
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 10:11PM 
Awards Season is upon us as mainstream and indie films vie for Hollywood’s most coveted honors from the Screen Actor’s Guild, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, to name a few. This also means it’s time for the Annual Awards Nerdism blogathon, hosted by Stevee Taylor at Cinematic Paradox.
The subject is Making a Case for Movies that Probably Won’t Get Any Awards Recognition. So in the name of Taylor’s blogathon, here is a movie that probably won’t get major love in terms of award nominations in the Music categories but I think it should: Skyfall.
Best Original Score
I haven’t bought any movie soundtracks in a long time and composer Thomas Newman’s work on “Skyfall” will change that. There are moments during this latest James Bond film where the music had just as much as, if not more, of my attention than the action taking place on screen -- not in a poor sound mix or unwise choice by the music supervisor or sloppy timing with the editing kind of way but in a "oooh, I’m feeling the intensity of these tunes so much that I want to download them from iTunes" kind of way. The score and the imagery -- complete with great performances, pacing, editing (and everything else happening on screen) complemented each other in a way that is rarely noticeable in the average film.
The score in many films are either so ordinary that I forget that it even exists or these tracks have something going for them but not enough to justify playing in an audio-only listening session. In other words, they aren’t useful in any other medium outside of the movie that they represent. Newman offers audiences -- both movie fans and music aficionados alike -- a film score that can stand on its own with or without James Bond in the picture.
Yes, the “Skyfall” soundtrack may not be expected to serve as nothing more than a suspenseful supporting foundation for which M16’s dangerous missions can be carried out. Maybe that’s why this movie makes for a good “Best Original Score” nominee -- the underlying music carves out its own role as a character operating on equal playing field with 007 himself. That is why I think “Skyfall” is deserving of an award nomination in the music category.
Best Original Song
“Skyfall” by Adele may become my most favorite James Bond theme song, to date. Until now, I favored “Another Way to Die” by Jack White and Alicia Keys, on the “Quantum of Solace” soundtrack but Adele takes the cake -- for almost the same reasons that I’m making a case for Thomas Newman’s score. I say almost because although the song does fit within the movie well, it’s more enjoyable when played as a standard music track on iTunes or YouTube or Pandora, etc. than during the “Skyfall” movie’s opening title sequence. Adele’s voice lends to the music but both elements are beautifully in sync, setting a nice tone for the film’s plot.
It would be easy for anyone who is not familiar with, or aloof to, the James Bond character and “Skyfall” to assume that the Adele’s song is about a couple dedicated to each other, even in times of turmoil. After watching the movie, however, all I can think about is how much this song can be interpreted to reflect a bond between 007 and M -- their sentimental values as well as their unshakeable, yet unspoken, will to protect and support each other, as it relates to the roles and responsibilities that they have taken on at M16.
Have YOU seen “Skyfall” yet?
If YOU were a voting member in a film-industry related organization, in what category would YOU nominate “Skyfall” for an award?
Reader Comments (8)
Adele's song is beautiful. Heartfelt and classic while still contemporary.
Maurice,
You describe her tune to the tee! I just might be one of those songs that peak the curiosities of today's youth, with regards to the James Bond legacy...it could get young people to start paying extra attention to either the previous bond films from before Daniel Craig or the music scores from those films. Heartfelt says it all. Thanks for commenting and sharing your thoughts about the music from the movie's soundtrack, in this post.
Thanks for taking part in the blogathon! Also, awesome choices. I, too, loved the score. I must buy it. You described it perfectly - everything complimented each other wonderfully, with that score tying everything in. Also, I need to download Adele's 'Skyfall'. That song, along with the opening credits, was chilling.
I've not had a chance to hop on board the Skyfall train. I don't like missing a Bond movie so I'll have to buy this one just as I bought Quantum of Solace once I get a chance. As an Adele fan I also have to slap my own hand. I should have downloaded it by now. At least I can go rectify that one.
There is just something about 007 and it's history that is everlasting, especially when the right character is chosen for it. In revamping Bond's image as a blond and a bit edgier, Craig has been an excellent choice.
Karin and I loved Skyfall. Can't wait for the next Bond adventure! And the soundtrack was *very* well done. But for my money, the best soundtrack ever was for the movie Fight Club. That album would be one I take with me if I ever find myself stranded on a desert island! :-)
I haven't seen Skyfall yet, though I'm looking forward to it. And I haven't heard Adele's song yet, but I've heard a ton about it. No songs have ever really stuck with me in a positive way from the Bond films, so I'll quite enjoy hearing this soundtrack.
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
I really like the song but the score is indeed great - Komodo Dragon and Breadcrumbs are probably my favorite tracks, the film really benefited from Newman's music which just as cinematography added a lot of style and elegance to the film.
Stevee,
It seems mostly odd how Adele's song has to be purchased separately from the soundtrack. I don't understand why they didn't just include the darn thing on the album but it won't stop me from getting it. No way! This is my first official LAMB post and I'm not only glad that I was able to get it up in time to make the deadline but also nice to know it's going over well among my readers and fellow LAMBs. Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog post.
Angela,
Quantum of Solace was a goodie. You can find the Adele track almost anywhere and I think there is a lyric or fan-made video on YouTube for it, if you want to preview it before purchasing. Her VEVO channel might also have the song available for streaming. Since you like her songs in general, I think you will be pleased with her James Bond theme song. Daniel Craig makes Bond cool for the younger crowds, I think. The edgy element that he brings to the character probably helps to win over audiences who may not relate to Bond's sophisticated side and/or habits. It's working for him (Craig).
Herman,
You wouldn't (or maybe you would, at the rate that I'm going) believe it...I still haven't watched Fight Club. Maybe it's the violence or the macho aspect of it but I wouldn't expect for a movie like that to have a good soundtrack. Then again, I'd probably understand if I watch the movie! There's nothing else like having access to great music...it's the very thing that would also probably help you maintain your sanity while stranded on that island :)
Shannon,
Looks like you and Angela are in the same boat but hopefully, the Adele theme will encourage you to have a new perspective on the Bond music. It can't hurt to try.
Sati,
So you tend to learn toward the tracks that retain those classic Bond-esque themes in them? If I had to chose between the two, I'd probably go with Komodo Dragon over Breadcrumbs but I'm more of a Tennyson fan :)
I do agree though...Newman and the team behind the production of Skyfall did a fantastic job and were the perfect pairing of talents who understood how to create a great work of art through their harmonious collaboration.