In 2009, Disney Pixar created what is one of (in my opinion) their greatest animations of all time, "Up". I for one feel that it has a soundtrack that thoroughly sticks in your mind, and for all the right reasons.
Michael Giacchino, the composer of Up, didn't fail in a single score when writing the soundtrack, that's for sure.
The 2009 Disney Pixar film features the main antagonist as an elderly, grumpy, short old man. After 78 years, he has learnt that life can be all too cruel, after being torn away from the love of his life before they could even fulfil their lifelong wish; to visit Paradise Falls together.
However, our antagonist refuses to give in until the wish is fulfilled, and his wife can have her dream come true, despite her sad passing.
And thus, with the help of a young scout, Russell, our antagonist, Carl, dwells within a world of possibilities and achieves the impossible; with a few minor setbacks along the way.
Seeing as the film revolves around an elderly man, and the film originally begins in the 1930's, Mr Giacchino had the task of making the world of Up come alive, with convincing scores and pieces to make the viewers feel as if they were literally in the 30's alongside the characters. Giacchino achieves this easily, with his use of brass instruments and pianos. He adds in a few other instruments for a wider variation, and keeps to a warm feeling kind of music.
The main melody, which is replayed within several of the pieces, is a one that gives off a light, peaceful and infinite vibe. It was the theme for the main antagonist and his wife, Ellie, and so, it had to have a personal feeling to it, yet opening, light and inviting; after all, it is Disney Pixar (it can't be too dark; kids and all).
There are several reprises of the melody, some as slower pieces, like in "The Ellie Badge", or sometimes as a faster and happier feeling piece, such as "We're In The Club Now" or, even brighter, "The Married Life", or even in a tense state, like in "The Small Mailman Returns", which, despite my labelling of the piece as "tense", still gives off a slightly perky feeling.
This was merely a vague analysis of some tracks within the soundtrack, however, I feel that Up is a film and a soundtrack beyond mere analysis. Music is something you create by atmosphere and with emotion, and it is clear that the genius that is Michael Giacchino is a man with an imagination so active, that he can create the perfect compositions by merely reading an animated facial expression, or by analysing the bright colours of the animated balloons. The soundtrack is simply; beautiful.
Thank you for reading my first soundtrack analysis. :)
