Michael Giacchino - The Next Super Composer

Who is Michael Giacchino? You might not know who this man is but there is a 99% chance you've heard his incredible music.

According to Wikipedia,

"Michael Giacchino; born October 10, 1967) is an American composer who has composed scores for movies, television series and video games. Giacchino has received numerous awards for his work, including an Emmy, multiple Grammys, and an Academy Award."

He began his musical career writing for video games such as Medal of Honour, Jurassic Park, Call of Duty and The Incredibles. This led to his entrance into film and television composing for Award Winning shows such as Alias, Lost and Fringe also venturing into films like Up, Mission Impossible 3, Sky High, Cloverfield, Super 8, Star Trek and most recently, the epic John Carter (which by the way was absolutely fantastic in every respect).

While Giacchino's list of work is impressive to say the least its not as impressive as the actual music he writes. His scores, even the shortest and simplest ones are vast and sprawling, they are imbued with real emotional value and longevity. They are careful thought out and contain expansive symbolism.

His latest offering, John Carter, is in my opinion a 9/10 score, stunning and emotive. Its done what many Hollywood score have failed to do to me in a long time, that is capture me. It drew me in so deep I forgot I was watching a film, listening to a soundtrack or even existing. The acted as another character, guiding you through the world of the narrative without you even realising it.

How does he do it? Giacchino uses a vast amount of techniques and motif's that its almost impossible to keep track of them all, I believe this expansive diversity and vast emotional information that Giacchino presents us is reflective of a human personality, I believe this is why I get sucked into his sonic world so effortlessly. Many scores can be over thought and alien in some ways but Giacchino always heads straight for emotion and narrative amplification without fail.

Here is a fantastic review and break down of the soundtrack to John Carter,

"What can I say about Michael Giacchino’s truly magnificent score for John Carter that has not already been said? This is one of the best orchestral soundtracks you could purchase this year, or any year for that. Every track rouses emotions to the core and creates a vivid sense of tone. Giacchino has outdone himself in his ability to capture the breadth and minor subtlety of each moment of Carter, making this perhaps his best film work I have listened to. In this edition of the Mouse House, I’ll analyze the John Carter soundtrack, what could be an early contender for a Best Original Score Academy Award if Oscar voters are listening…"

Michael Giacchino is becoming apart of a group of 'super composers', such as the legendary John Williams, the captivating Hans Zimmer and the enthralling Howard Shore, if his hasn't already.