IN THE CINÉMA CLUB OF… HILDUR GUDNADÓTTIR
The Oscar-winning Hildur Guðnadóttir has quickly established herself as one of contemporary cinema’s foremost composers. Her unique ability to meld pop sensibilities with experimental inflections has manifested itself in some of the most memorable soundtracks in recent years, including Joker (2019), Tár (2022), and Women Talking (2022), among many other film projects. Her work in television (Chernobyl, 2019) and videogames (Battlefield 2042, 2021) is equally impressive, having earned her both an Emmy and a Guild of Music Supervisors Award respectively. She is currently working on the soundtracks to Nia DaCosta’s upcoming Hedda as well as Todd Phillip’s highly anticipated sequel Joker: Folie à Deux.
Hildur Guðnadóttir shared a list of five films she loves.
SPEAK NO EVIL, Christian Tafdrup, 2022
I saw this film yesterday for the first time, and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! It’s probably the Icelander in me, but I love nordic films. The dark, moody and minimal sensibilities speak strongly to me. In this film, I thought the score communicated the looming horror very well, but the picture itself held back till the end, which was very effective.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, Tomas Alfredson, 2008
On the subject of nordic horror, this is one of my all time favourites. It’s a beautiful combination of Swedish social realism, fantasy, horror and a beautiful friendship story. Just writing that sentence feels like that’s a combination that should not work - it’s heartwarming and soul crushing. Love it!
ANATOMY OF A FALL, Justine Triet, 2023
Staying on the dark side of recent European cinema, this really was one of my favourite films of last year. It’s just brilliant. I love how they use music in a very present in a kind of Dogma-esque way, I felt it was both fun and effective. I thought the script was fantastic, the acting fantastic. Fantastic film!
LICORICE PIZZA, Paul Thomas Anderson, 2021
Moving away from the darkness, I feel like there should be a Paul Thomas Anderson film on this list. He’s a brilliant filmmaker. This is the film of his that I saw most recently. I think it’s such a beautiful and moving story. In fact, the film made me so happy that I applauded and cheered when it ended — at home on my sofa!
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, Hayao Miyazaki, 1988
Ending on a very happy note. I think every one of the Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli films are phenomenal. The imaginative storytelling is unparalleled. Every time you watch a Miyazaki film, it lights a spark within. The characters and creatures are so beautiful, the animation lovely, the music wonderful. It’s also great that people of all ages can watch these films together and get equally as inspired. True beauty!