The music for ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ is composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams (brother of acclaimed composer Harry Gregson-Williams, and a member of Hans Zimmer’s team of composers). The score is an orchestral based composition with emphasis on the string ensemble leading as the driving force behind the emotion of the music. The palette of instruments varies but is mainly rooted in the contemporary orchestra with touches of guitar, solo string instruments, solo woodwinds and piano taking the lead role at different times throughout the picture. Within the string ensemble the vast array of dynamics is really what guides us through the emotional sequences in the film. The main themes are very romantic and played legato, with heavy dynamics, passion & power. Rupert is extremely good at playing the emotion, time & suspense on screen. You can see this by when his strings sustain notes with beautiful harmonies, then through different homophonic textures, makes the build into important moments where the whole ensemble comes soaring in for emphasis. Similarities can be mentioned; the score very much reminded me of Rupert’s brother Harry’s score for ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe.’ Not that it had a fantasy feel at all but the harmonies and string writing were very similar in nature. I guess the music really does run in the Gregson-Williams family! What I really enjoyed was that the music wasn’t a classic contemporary score, it seemed to differ as opposed to the traditional Hans Zimmer action music; which I also love. This score for me was very much rooted in love & honour, which embodied Desmond Doss’ purpose and way to serve. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rupert wins Best Original Score at the Academy Awards this year!
Score Rating: 8.5/10
Reviewed by: Brock.
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