TLDR;
This video analyzes the musical themes in the Wonder Woman film, exploring why the score doesn't fully capture the character's essence. It argues that the film's score suffers from the need to incorporate a pre-existing theme from "Batman v Superman," which was created for a character with limited depth. The video suggests that a more effective approach would have been to score the film like "Star Wars," using thematic ideas to represent concepts and character arcs rather than relying on a single, definitive theme.
- The "Wonder Woman" score is analyzed for its effectiveness in representing the character's essence.
- The video compares scoring approaches, advocating for thematic ideas over singular character themes.
- The influence of the "Batman v Superman" theme on the "Wonder Woman" score is examined.
Introduction [0:00]
The video starts by posing the question of how to write a theme for Wonder Woman, emphasizing that a good superhero theme should musically express what the hero represents. It contrasts the initial assumption that Wonder Woman represents love with her actual motivations in the film, which are initially driven by a desire to kill Ares, the god of war. The video highlights that Wonder Woman's true essence lies in her belief in the potential for good within everyone, a realization she comes to after witnessing Steve Trevor's sacrifice.
Thematic Representation vs. Character Themes [2:39]
The video contrasts Wonder Woman's character development with that of other superheroes like Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman, who have their core values established early in their films. It argues that Wonder Woman's journey is different, as she doesn't fully become Wonder Woman until the end of the film. The video suggests that instead of scoring Wonder Woman with a single theme, it would have been more effective to score it like "Star Wars," where themes represent ideas rather than specific characters.
Star Wars as a Model [3:56]
The video uses "Star Wars" as an example of scoring ideas instead of characters. It explains how the Force theme is associated with Obi-Wan, Luke, and Vader, representing their connection to the Force. The Imperial March is associated with the Empire, reminding the audience that Vader is an agent of the Empire. Leia's love theme is used when she saves Han, indicating that she is acting out of love. The video argues that this approach allows characters to be affected by the world around them and represent specific aspects of the story.
Applying the Star Wars Model to Wonder Woman [6:12]
The video proposes applying the "Star Wars" model to "Wonder Woman" by creating separate themes for the Amazons, the evil side of humanity, and Steve Trevor's group. The Amazon theme would play when Diana is acting as an Amazon, the evil theme would represent Dr. Poison, the general, and Ares, and Steve Trevor's theme would explore the struggles of flawed but capable individuals. When Steve convinces Diana that she can save people, the Amazon theme and the Steve Trevor group theme could play together, symbolizing that Wonder Woman is an Amazon who fights for the goodness in people.
The Influence of Batman v Superman [7:22]
The video claims that "Batman v Superman" is to blame for the "Wonder Woman" score's shortcomings. It explains that the composers of "Batman v Superman" had to create a theme for Wonder Woman despite her limited role in the film. Hans Zimmer wanted Wonder Woman's theme to sound like a banshee's wail and used an electric cello to combine feminine sentimentality with power. While the theme became popular, it created a problem for the "Wonder Woman" film, as the composers had to adapt a theme written for a character with almost no lines, personality, or backstory.
Adapting the BvS Theme [9:15]
The video discusses the challenges Rupert Gregson-Williams and his team faced in adapting the "Batman v Superman" theme for the "Wonder Woman" film. They realized that they couldn't just play the theme during every action scene, as it wouldn't fit the character-driven scenes. They decided to introduce new music while still incorporating the "Batman v Superman" theme whenever possible. The film opens with electric cello and a rhythmic ostinato, and the "Batman v Superman" theme eventually arrives, but it doesn't show up completely out of nowhere.
Two Themes for One Character [11:30]
The video points out that the "Wonder Woman" film effectively has two different themes for the same character: the "Batman v Superman" theme and the new music introduced in the film. When it came to fighting the general, the composers used the "Batman v Superman" theme mixed with some of the new music. The video suggests that this was an interesting statement on Diana's last action as just an Amazon, acting as an intersection between the Diana at the beginning of the film and the Wonder Woman in "Batman v Superman."
The Lack of a Complete Theme [13:02]
The video concludes by stating that when it comes to the fight with Ares and Diana becomes Wonder Woman, there are no themes that completely represent her. There is a theme for Themyscira and a theme for when she fights, but they are all bits and pieces of who she is. She doesn't have a complete theme that represents her desire to fight for everyone's potential to do good. The video ends by saying that the audience sees her become a hero, but they don't hear her become a hero.