Scoring History: a Composer’s Life

Read Time:3 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Ennio
–

Genre: Documentary, Biography, History
Year Released: 2021, 2024
Runtime: 2h 36m
Director(s): Giuseppe Tornatore
Where To Watch: available June 25, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Giuseppe Tornatore has masterfully assembled a narrative that tracks the iconic Ennio Morricone's monumental impact on cinema's auditory soul. Making its debut in Venice and mesmerizing viewers throughout Italy, the documentary explores Morricone's eclectic journey from penning catchy Italian pop hits to composing scores defining entire film genres.

Moving beyond a mere career retrospective, the documentary dives into the evolution of Morricone's sound, tracing his early steps in the music scene to his defining moments scoring for the silver screen. His music, still echoing through the decades, captures the essence of each scene it graces. A highlight of the film is the chorus of praise from industry stalwarts such as Clint Eastwood and Quentin Tarantino, whose insights shed light on Morricone’s contributions to cinema and his innovative compositional style.

Moreover, Morricone’s contributions transcended genre boundaries, resonating with audiences of westerns, thrillers, and dramatic films alike. His ability to infuse films with an auditory depth transformed how viewers experience movies, making his scores indispensable to the film's emotional and narrative architecture. Directors and composers often cite his work as a critical influence in their approach to integrating music with visual storytelling. This universal appeal and enduring influence are underscored in the documentary by a series of poignant scenes that show cinema halls around the world filled with audiences moved by his music, illustrating the global and timeless reach of his artistic genius.

Tornatore delves into Morricone's battles and triumphs, mainly focusing on his mentorship under Goffredo Petrassi. This relationship, fraught with artistic tension, reveals Morricone's relentless drive to break musical barriers and redefine the conventional boundaries of score composition. His work with the avant-garde Nuova Consonanza Improvisation Group further illustrates his courage to experiment and push musical frontiers, setting new standards within the industry.

The documentary also gives us a peek into Morricone’s personal life, from his humble origins to his dedication as a family man, enriching the viewer's understanding of the man behind the music. These personal snippets, interwoven with his professional life, form a fully rounded portrait of Morricone, showcasing not just a legendary composer but a resilient, innovative individual who has navigated numerous challenges to leave an enduring mark on the world of music and film.

The documentary’s editing reflects Morricone’s meticulous approach to music-making, with a rhythm and precision that pulls the viewer deeper into the narrative. This carefully structured pacing ensures that viewers are not just watching a documentary but are being drawn into a moving symphony of visual and sound elements that showcase the depth and emotional resonance of Morricone's work.

This insightful film is a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy in film music will undoubtedly inspire future generations. For anyone fascinated by the convergence of sound and screen, this documentary is an essential viewing, offering a profound appreciation of how music can elevate cinema to an art form. Morricone’s legacy, as vividly captured in this documentary, continues to resonate, proving that his influence will echo in the corridors of film history for years to come.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of MUSIC BOX FILMS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.