- Thu, 2009-04-23 14:57
Clint Mansell has become synonymous with the films of director Darren Aronofsky for one reason; the score.
A chance introduction to Darren Aronofsky in NYC led to Mansell's film score debut for the independent movie Pi in 1998. This director-composer union continued with Aronofsky's ambitious follow-up, Requiem for a Dream in 2000. His score for Aronofsky's The Fountain in 2006 prompted a Golden Globe nomination and most recently, he composed the score for the award-winning film The Wrestler.
I Like Music caught up with Clint for a quick chat about writing music for film, key moments in his career and musical moments he'll never forget.
"I Like Music because… without it there would be no excuse for my drinking.” Clint Mansell
ILM: What is it about Darren Aronofsky's films that capture your imagination and inspire your creativity?
Clint: Any relationship is built on chemistry. Darrens thinking, his writing and his requirements from the music seem to sit quite well with my own
ILM: What is the Clint Mansell process of making music? How long does it take? Do you always work in the same way?
Clint: I pretty much start from the same place. I have to 'get' the film. I'm not a trained musician, I write from gut instinct. So for me to do something that I'm happy with I have to connect with the film at a fundamental level. I need to get inside it and find something in me that I can pull on, musically.
ILM: Do you find it difficult to know when a piece of music is finished?
Clint: No. I'm always looking for less.
ILM: How has your approach to music making changed and developed over the years?
Clint: Writing for film is very different to writing for your own band. Theres a different responsibility involved and it's not all about 'me'. I may write all the notes of the score but it's a very collaborative job and if the director/producers/et al aren't happy then I'm out! So, I've learned to listen to their thoughts/concerns/ideas. I've also learned that 'less is more'
ILM: What advice would you offer to anyone looking to make music for film?
Clint: Be yourself, listen and work hard.
ILM: When you look back over your music career, which moments stand out for you?
Clint: I just saw a video of The Prodigy playing 'Their Law' in Red Square in Moscow to thousands of people-and there were my vocals booming out over this technopunkrockcarcrash! That was pretty cool! Playing my first solo show in Belgium last year performing music from Darrens films was really great too.
ILM: If you had the opportunity to write the music for any scene in any film, past or present, what would it be and why?
Clint: I wouldn't. If it's already been done there's not much point.
ILM: What music are you listening to at the moment?
Clint: Bat for Lashes
ILM: Out of all the live gigs you have seen, which will you never forget and why?
Clint: The Clash. Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Decemeber 1978. Does it really need an explanation!!?
ILM: What are your future plans?
Clint: Repeat ad nauseum!
