- Composed by Alexandre Desplat
- Radiofandango / 2012 / 38:29
A black comedy about a man who dreams of being a reality tv contestant, the French/Italian co-production Reality (directed by Matteo Garrone) has attracted rave reviews at a lot of 2012’s film festivals, including a Grand Prix win at Cannes, though it’s yet to see a wide release in English-speaking territories. The film’s score is by the ever-busy Alexandre Desplat (this is one of eight Desplat-scored films to be released during 2012). It’s a refreshing change of pace for the composer, who adopts a lighthearted approach throughout, starting with the Danny Elfman-style silly chorus in the opening cue. The theme introduced there goes on to dominate the short score, appearing in numerous guises (usually sans chorus).
There are more serious moments too – “Come Un Palcoscenico” keeps the same small ensemble (keyboards, a few strings) but there’s a tragic air running through it, and more than a hint of desperation. “Fuga” is a wonderful little track, slowly building momentum to its fully orchestral conclusion from the modest, comedic pizzicato string opening. While I opened by saying that this is a score markedly different from Desplat’s other recent efforts – and that there is a definite Elfman influence – it is still absolutely recognisable as being in his voice, which is one of film music’s most distinctive. It’s certainly not a major entry in his rapidly increasing and highly impressive canon of work, but it’s a very enjoyable one all the same. There are only about 25 minutes of score on the album, and they whiz by at a canter – most fans of the composer should find this to be a very satisfying, if very slight, addition to their collections. *** 1/2
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