Complete Train Dreams: Composer Bryce Dessner Talks Guide
Bryce Dessner, renowned for his work with the band The National and his diverse compositions, recently discussed his experience scoring the Netflix film “Train Dreams.” The film, adapted from Denis Johnson’s novel, tells the story of Robert Grainier, a logger in the early 20th century witnessing the rapid changes in his world. Dessner’s insights offer a unique perspective on the creative process behind crafting a score that balances historical context with modern sensibilities, and delves into themes of loss, memory, and the human condition.
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Immersing in the World of “Train Dreams”
Dessner’s approach to scoring “Train Dreams” was deeply rooted in a desire to connect with the story’s essence. He sought to escape the digital confines of typical film scoring, opting instead for a more tactile and immersive experience. This led him to Flora Recording & Playback in Portland, Oregon, a studio familiar from his work with The National. The goal was to use the environment to inspire the music and create a soundscape that resonated with the film’s themes.
The choice of vintage equipment played a crucial role in shaping the score’s sound. Dessner utilized upright pianos, harmoniums, old acoustic guitars, and ribbon microphones to capture the feel of the early 20th century. These analog sounds provided a foundation for the score, which was then layered with more contemporary synthesizers and processed electronics. This blend of old and new allowed Dessner to create a sound that was both evocative of the period and reflective of the film’s modern themes.
Balancing Historical Context with Modern Sensibilities
A key aspect of Dessner’s work on “Train Dreams” was finding the right balance between historical accuracy and modern musical elements. Director Clint Bentley encouraged Dessner to explore contemporary textures while still grounding the score in the film’s historical setting. This approach allowed Dessner to create a score that felt both authentic to the period and relevant to a modern audience.
Dessner skillfully incorporated analog sounds to capture the feel of the early 20th century, then wove in synthesizers and processed electronics to create a unique sonic landscape. This blending of old and new musical elements provided a unique sonic texture, which allows the score to transcend the limitations of a purely period-specific soundtrack, while still maintaining a strong connection to the film’s setting and themes.
The Emotional Core of the Score: Loss and Levity
Dessner identified the “big sense of loss” at the heart of Robert Grainier’s story as the biggest challenge in writing the score. He aimed to capture the depth of Grainier’s character and his experiences without overwhelming the film. This required finding a delicate balance between light and dark, allowing moments of levity and playfulness to coexist with the larger, more profound themes of loss and change.
The score reflects the deep, often wordless contemplation displayed by Joel Edgerton’s character, as well as his warmth and humanity. Dessner describes the story as deeply human, touching on universal experiences of love, loss, and the trajectory of a life as a series of memories and dreams. The music serves as a poetic expression of these themes, accessing the film’s emotional core in a way that words cannot.
Collaboration with Nick Cave on the Theme Song
One of the highlights of Dessner’s work on “Train Dreams” was his collaboration with Nick Cave on the film’s eponymous theme song. Dessner and Bentley had Cave at the “top” of their list to write the song, citing his “literary” songwriting style. The collaboration took place remotely while Cave was touring, with Dessner sending music he’d written for the score and Cave writing lyrics over the tracks.
Dessner praised Cave’s ability to capture the film’s essence in his lyrics, particularly the line, “I can’t begin to tell you how this feels,” which he felt perfectly encapsulated the sentiment of the film. He described Cave as a hero to both him and his band, The National, and called the collaboration a career highlight. Dessner emphasized Cave’s respectful and humble approach, noting how the song came together quickly and organically, highlighting the power of collaborative synergy.
Conclusion
Bryce Dessner’s score for “Train Dreams” is a testament to his ability to create music that is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating. By immersing himself in the story, utilizing a blend of vintage and modern equipment, and collaborating with artists like Nick Cave, Dessner crafted a score that perfectly complements the film’s themes of loss, memory, and the human experience. His insights into the creative process offer a valuable perspective on the art of film scoring and the power of music to enhance storytelling.
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