Jonny Greenwood’s soundtrack to Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film The Master is out today in North America, with a worldwide release to follow. The soundtrack comprises 11 compositions by Greenwood along with four recordings from the movie’s era. Rolling Stone, which gives the film four stars, says its "visual poetry is matched by Jonny Greenwood's haunting, hypnotic score." The New Yorker calls the score “rich and inventive.” Consequence of Sound says Greenwood "has delivered a score that’s both haunting and beautiful."
Jonny Greenwood’s soundtrack to Oscar-nominated writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film The Master is out today in North America, with a worldwide release to follow. The Master, which Anderson also co-produced, features Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Laura Dern. Released by The Weinstein Company, The Master debuted at the Venice Film Festival to critical acclaim earlier this month and will open in select US theaters this Friday, September 14. Rolling Stone, which gives the film four stars, says its "visual poetry is matched by Jonny Greenwood's haunting, hypnotic score."
A striking portrait of drifters and seekers in post–World War II America, The Master unfolds the journey of a Naval veteran (Phoenix) who arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future—until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader (Seymour Hoffman). The soundtrack, which The New Yorker calls “rich and inventive,” comprises 11 compositions by Greenwood along with four recordings from the movie’s era. Performers include the London Contemporary Orchestra, AUKSO Chamber Orchestra, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.
This is the second Anderson film that Greenwood has scored. Their previous collaboration, the critically praised soundtrack for 2007’s Academy Award–winning There Will Be Blood, also was released by Nonesuch. Consequence of Sound, which gives The Master soundtrack three-and-a-half out of four stars, says that Greenwood and Anderson "have forged a spectacularly potent working relationship."
CoS reviewer Ryan Bray says that Greenwood's "work on The Master further showcases his nuanced musical mind," one that is "perfectly suited to Anderson’s vision of an uncertain post-war world ... Greenwood has delivered a score that’s both haunting and beautiful, and if Anderson’s film is even half as strangely inspired, we’re all in for something good." Read the complete review at consequenceofsound.net.
Widely known as the guitarist for Radiohead, Jonny Greenwood also is a highly respected composer. In addition to There Will Be Blood, Nonesuch released his score for Norwegian Wood in 2011 and his collaboration with Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki earlier this year.
Nonesuch also released the soundtrack for Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love—a smart pop score by composer/producer Jon Brion—in 2002. Anderson’s other previous films—all of which have been highly praised—include Boogie Nights (1997) and Magnolia (1999).
To pick up a copy of the soundtrack on CD, MP3, or FLAC, head to the Nonesuch Store today, where CD orders include instant downloads of the album at checkout.
Watch a trailer for the film The Master here:
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