As many of you will know, I am a massive fan of film. Given this has been pretty extensively explored in some of my other articles I’m not gonna get too far into it here, but I say that to say it is integral to my creativity. Film ignites a spark in my brain that very few other things can create. If a movie can give me both an incredible film and soundtrack, it shifts my perspective on what it means to score a film and how to channel the boundlessness possibilities properly to create a unique atmosphere. This list is also largely inspired by my recent first watch of La Planète sauvage otherwise known as Fantastic Planet, which will be the film I talk about today! I hope you enjoy.

La Planète sauvage is a psychadelic French film directed by René Laloux and written by Laloux & Roland Topor and released in 1973. The style of animation is incredibly unique, looking like they created thousands of hand painted frames and used stop motion to bring them to life. This also serves to create an uncanny feeling to the movement and physics of this alternate world, grounding you in the story even more. While we’re introduced to this world through a mother and her child being tormented by a pair of large fingers, the introduction of the soundtrack kicks in with Dèshominisation (I) and the tone is set. The original soundtrack done by Alain Goraguer is technically characterized as jazz with some funk fusion, though is a rich tapestry of different sounds and styles brought together mostly by a central melodic motif that serves as an important audio cue throughout the film. Besides this functioning excellently in the film for the surreal and psychedelic mood to the visuals and themes, this record has found a second life through sampling, specifically in Hip-Hop. Being sampled by a wide variety of artists such as Madlib, Flying Lotus, Mac Miller, J Dilla, Flatbush Zombies, Westside Gunn and so many more, this project has paved the way for so many new people to find this brilliant work of art and create a whole new generation of appreciation for such a great score. 

Not only is this score effective in terms of aiding the movie in its own right, but it also functions extremely well individually. While there is an individual motif that definitely populated the tracklist, each take on it inspires a different emotion, with different instruments playing the main melody to tremendous effect. It helps the project feel cohesive while building with each track being fresh yet vintage, aged yet futuristic. Everything about this film feels like it’s from another universe. 

With a film like this, it’s easy to get swept up in the work of art that this was. It’s absolutely incredible to see an artist creating a work that stands alone among a very dense field of incredible films. My first watch of this film felt like I was watching a masterpiece unfold in front of my eyes. I think what can really be taken with this film is the link between sound & visuals. While both of these aspects on their own would create an entertaining experience, this film takes both to new frontiers. The timeless score paired with the unique visual style along with a thoughtful script & direction creates an experience for the ages. I think all creatives can learn something from unfiltered art like this, and I would implore you to go check this film out.

Written By Blank Thought: linktr.ee/b1ankthought