Mastering the Audio Narrative: Alexandre Desplat's Approach to Scoring Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein

As the frequent collaborator of acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, composer Alexandre Desplat shares a unique insight into the musical narrative of del Toro’s iteration of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Despite being largely unfamiliar with the gothic tale, Desplat crafted the film’s score with a fresh perspective.

Desplat began his compositional journey before the commencement of filming, experimenting with various musical styles to strike the right tone. He avoided creating an overly dated sound, as del Toro wished to keep the movie from being a period piece.

Desplat ascertained that a soprano voice - that of the Creature, portrayed by Jacob Elordi - could serve as the key to the film's sound. The narrative suggests that this character, construed from cadavers of soldiers from the Crimean War, may not be the true monster of the story. For that, Desplat handpicked the violin, citing the instrument's raw, delicate charm to embody the Creature's soul.

Norwegian violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing amplified this sentiment with her performance. Desplat lauds her for maintaining the purity in his melodies, encapsulating the innocence of the Creature's character. Desplat’s first theme, primarily driven by the violin, was well-received by del Toro.

In the film, the Creature’s journey of evolution and survival, stirs a sense of empathy in the audience. Desplat used recurring musical motifs, subtly woven into the entire movie, to deepen emotional resonance in the pivotal moments. Big scenes were amplified with full orchestral elements for a heightened dramatic effect.

Interactions, dialogue, and silences of the actors were used by Desplat as inspiration for the music. To respect the natural pace and rhythm of the actors’ performances, he likens his process to 'dancing' with them.

The film concludes with the orchestra swelling as the Creature aids a ship's liberation from the ice, symbolizing the conclusion of the narrative journey. Just as the audience was gently introduced to the story with the delicate violin theme, a lush orchestral sound bids them farewell.

Appreciate the magnificent score below.