Sufjan Stevens to score Natalie Portman film
While not the first time that Natalie Portman has propelled herself into the independent music spotlight (a starring role in Garden State, dating Devendra Banhart, etc.), the actress is sure to attract attention with her new film, Eve, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival yesterday. In addition to making her directorial debut, the 22-minute film will see Portman’s creation be accompanied by the styles and sounds of none other than Sufjan Stevens.
Stevens, who has been buzzing around here and there for a while, but hasn’t put out a true LP since 2005’s Illinois, scored the film’s soundtrack. A reporter for The Playlist, who attended the film’s appearance at the Venice Film Festival, had this to say about the film and Stevens’ score:
The short is evidently about a girl (Olivia Thirlby) who finds herself intruding on her grandmother’s romantic date, according to the Hollywood Reporter, the film was warmly received “crowd pleaser,” though our tipster noted that a boom mike was distinctively visible three times in the short and it was a bit “embarrassing,” considering Portman was there in the audience.
As for Sufjan, “his style was recognizable : piano, very melancholic, it was all instrumental,” wrote our Gallic friend. They added that a piece called “Forgotten Waltz,” was included, but they didn’t know who wrote it. At the press conference for the film, Portman actually talked about Steven’s inclusion and he actress turned director said she didn’t know the indie-rocker, but was a big fan of his and called him to see if he’d be interested in composing the score. She called his score “beautiful music,” and also noted before attempting to direct a feature, she’ll be taking on a few more acting roles…
Additionally, Sufjan had the following to say about the project in a recent discussion with Stereogum: “I was asked to add only piano, no songs, no arrangements, just quiet, sad, romantic flourishes . . . But I don’t think I’d do this again, not unless Gus Van Sant called me, or if Kieslowski was raised from the dead, or if Cassavetes was raised from the dead, or if Antonioni was raised from the dead.”
Sounds like it could be interesting. I’d say Sufjan probably shouldn’t do it again, so he can continue with the near-forgotten 50 states project. Seriously, its been three years since Illinois, where are the 48 other states bro?
Sep 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
[...] blog, the director is nearing a return with a new film entitled The Wrestler and in the style of Natalie Portman, the project will make use of some neat tunes, importantly one new original from Bruce Springsteen. [...]