Lucas Vidal is the composer for the new horror/thriller “The Raven”. Later this Fall, he is also composing the new action film “The Cold Light of Day”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Lucas about his new score and inspiration behind it.
Mike Gencarelli: Tell us how you incorporated Edgar Allen Poe’s legacy into your score for “The Raven”?
Lucas Vidal: The first thing I did when I started was to do research into Allen Poe’s life and state of mind in the film. The music that he was listening to at the time. When I spoke to the director (James McTeigue), he wanted to make sure that the music was something contemporary, not a period sound. We ended up getting into a really cool stage of creativity. In fact we ended up doing really cool sounds for Allen Poe’s main theme. We used an distorted electric guitar, which then interacts with the orchestra. It helps the rhythm of the film a lot. Overall it was a combination of real orchestra and electronics, since they were looking for a modern score.
MG: Did you have a lot of creative freedom working with “The Raven”?
LV: Yes, I did. I was very open for ideas and suggestions though. (James) McTeigue he knows what he is talking about, I mean he did “V For Vendetta”. I was lucky to be able to learn a lot from a guy like that. I was very opened-minded and yes I definitely had a lot of freedom on this project.
MG: What was your most challenging aspect for this score?
LV: I think to find the sound. Since McTeigue wanted something different than I expected. The specific themes in the music are a lot of different than the movie. Once we got that got that down, it was a lot easier to start working.
MG: You also worked on the score for “The Cold Light of Day”, which is coming out this Fall; how do you feel it compares?
LV: The genre falls more under action for this one. There were a lot of big hits and rhythm in the orchestra. “The Raven” was much darker. I had a lot of of fun with both films. We recorded in London at Abbey Road and we used a huge orchestra for both. I think the approach was different but similar in the sense that it helps whats happening on the screen.
MG: When composing a film, what genres do you enjoy working in most?
LV: Well, I have done a lot of horror, thriller and action. I would love to do more dramas and animation. I love animation and dramas, like a really good drama! A lot of dramas are orchestra driven and that is what I enjoy the most.
MG: Tell us about what you have upcoming?
LV: I cannot tell you right now, but I have a really cool movie coming up. We are signing in the next day or two. It is going to be very very interesting.
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