Quentin Tarantino’s Tribute to Ennio Morricone

Renowned American filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has made headlines again with his deep admiration for the legendary composer Ennio Morricone. In a recent discussion, Tarantino referred to Morricone as not only his favorite composer but also the best composer to have ever lived, surpassing even classical giants like Bach and Mahler.

The Unique Collaboration on “The Hateful Eight”

The collaboration between Tarantino and Morricone came to fruition in the film “The Hateful Eight”, released in 2015. This Western thriller features a star-studded cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The narrative revolves around a group of strangers with criminal backgrounds trapped in a cabin during a fierce snowstorm shortly after the U.S. Civil War.

While Tarantino is known for selecting pre-existing music for his films, he took a bold step by commissioning Morricone for an original score. The choice reflected Tarantino’s long-standing admiration for Morricone’s exceptional body of work, which had already graced several of Tarantino’s films.

Morricone’s Impact on “The Hateful Eight”

Upon its release, “The Hateful Eight” garnered critical acclaim for its screenplay, cinematography, and Morricone’s musical score. The film received numerous accolades, including Oscar nominations and Golden Globes, with Morricone securing an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

In an interview, Tarantino explained the genesis of this collaboration, stating, “I finally broke down. And it was the maestro that made me break down.” Their meetings led Morricone to create an impressive collection of themes, where a mere ten minutes of music evolved into a robust thirty-minute score, enhancing the film’s dramatic tension considerably.

The Legacy of Ennio Morricone

Sadly, Ennio Morricone passed away in 2020 at the age of 91, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in film music. His iconic scores for films such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “Once Upon A Time in America” changed the landscape of cinematic soundtracks. Tarantino’s tribute to Morricone emphasizes the deep respect he holds for the maestro and the immense impact that Morricone’s work had on his filmmaking journey.

Tarantino’s Personal Musical Influences

Quentin Tarantino is not just a fan of film music; he expresses a profound connection to various musical genres. He cites Bob Dylan as one of his favorite musicians, especially admiring Dylan’s 1975 classic, “Tangled Up in Blue.” Tarantino believes the song’s ambiguous lyrics provide unique interpretative opportunities, showcasing his insightful approach to music.

Interestingly, Tarantino’s musical loves span from rockabilly to a surprising childhood favorite, the Batman theme song, which he says inspired him during his formative years.

What’s Next for Tarantino?

Looking ahead, Tarantino has announced plans to write the screenplay for “The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth”, with promising details under wraps. Starring Brad Pitt and directed by David Fincher, the project is anticipated as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Once Upon A Time… in Hollywood.”

As Tarantino continues to weave music into his cinematic tapestry, the legacy of Ennio Morricone remains a monumental part of the director’s artistic foundation, influencing current and future generations of filmmakers.

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Quentin Tarantino, Ennio Morricone, The Hateful Eight, Bob Dylan, film scores, cinematic music, Django Unchained, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, movie news, Tarantino films