While actors, directors, cinematographers and writers usually get most of the credit, it should never be underestimated just how important a soundtrack is to the success of a film. Done well, music elevates a scene. Alerts the audience to what’s coming next and sets-up the moment. Most of our favourite movie memories are intrinsically linked to the score or a song. Composers play a huge role in the success of any project.
The history of cinema is full of iconic original soundtrack, but very few in the business can even think of holding a candle to Ennio Morricone. The Italian scored hundreds of movies but will always be best remembered for his work on Westerns. Once Upon a Time in The West, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars are amongst his most famous. A new documentary, Ennio, tells his story, celebrating his life and work.
If you’re a big fan of the maestro’s work, Ennio is a must-see documentary. It’s exhaustive in terms of the detail it goes into. Academy Award-winner director Giuseppe Tornatore is determined to pay tribute to his friend’s career, in the round, and he enlists a parade of Hollywood talent to help him along the way. It’s clear that Morricone was a real maverick and huge talent, but it was his work with Sergio Leone which changed his life. Ennio is a fascinating portrait of one of the greats.
Ennio is out in UK cinemas and On Demand from 22 April.
