#162 Eímear Noone and Craig Stuart Garfinkle (Part One) - Garry Talks: Film
In this episode of "Garry Talks Film," Garry welcomes renowned composer-conductor Eímear Noone and her husband, Emmy-nominated composer Craig Stuart Garfinkle. The conversation explores their experiences living between Ireland and California, including narrowly escaping Malibu wildfires, and delves into Irish cultural traditions such as wakes. They discuss their creative partnership, the emotional power of film music, and share insights into the technical and artistic challenges of scoring for film. Personal anecdotes, reflections on community, and stories about industry legends highlight the interplay between culture, creativity, and the enduring impact of music in cinema.
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The Power of Film Music (00:00:00)
Eímear recalls Spielberg and John Williams demonstrating how music transforms film scenes, setting the tone for the episode.
Introduction of Guests and Their Achievements (00:00:17)
Garry introduces Eímear Noone and Craig Stuart Garfinkle, highlighting their careers and awards in film and game music.
Creative Partnership and Global Influence (00:01:14)
Discussion of Eímear and Craig’s creative partnership, their international work, and their impact on Irish talent.
Current Trends in Film Scoring (00:01:31)
Craig comments on the current state of film scoring, noting a trend toward less noticeable music.
Directors and the Use of Music (00:01:43)
Eímear discusses how great directors use music to serve the scene effectively.
Podcast Sponsorship and Network (00:01:51)
Acknowledgment of podcast sponsors and the GK Media Studios Creators Network.
Reunion and Life Between Ireland and California (00:02:15)
Garry welcomes Eímear and Craig, reminiscing about past meetings and their bi-continental lifestyle.
Malibu Wildfires Experience (00:03:29)
Craig and Eímear recount their harrowing experiences with California wildfires and the impact on their community.
Resilience and Recovery After Fires (00:05:30)
Reflections on community recovery, resilience, and the emotional toll of natural disasters.
Evacuation During the Woolsey Fire (00:09:34)
Craig and Eímear describe being evacuated during the Woolsey Fire and the challenges of balancing touring and family.
Paris Riots and Touring While Pregnant (00:10:06)
Eímear shares stories of traveling for concerts, encountering riots in Paris, and the unpredictability of life on tour.
Returning Home and Sense of Belonging (00:13:58)
Garry and Eímear discuss feelings about returning home after travel and what makes a place feel like home.
East Galway as Home and Cultural Identity (00:14:31)
Eímear and Craig reflect on their deep connection to East Galway, its traditions, and the importance of community.
Irish Traditions Around Death and Community (00:17:01)
Eímear describes unique Irish customs around funerals, wakes, and the value of honouring the deceased.
Preserving Local Customs and Grieving (00:19:26)
Discussion on the importance of preserving local traditions and the cathartic nature of Irish grieving practices.
Personal Stories from an Irish Wake (00:20:35)
Eímear shares moving stories from her father’s wake, highlighting the impact of community support and storytelling.
Comparing Big City and Rural Life (00:23:32)
Eímear contrasts the sense of community in East Galway with the anonymity of big city life.
Authenticity in Different Places (00:24:25)
Eímear discusses being her true self in both Ireland and California, emphasizing authenticity in all settings.
Craig’s Upbringing in Chicago (00:25:20)
Craig talks about growing up in Chicago, attending famous high schools, and early influences from film and music.
High School and College Music Experiences (00:26:26)
Craig details his extensive music education, involvement in big bands, and early composition experiences.
Big Band vs. Orchestra and Influential Teachers (00:27:31)
Explanation of big band vs. orchestra, and the influence of mentors like Alf Clausen and David Baker.
Path to Hollywood and UCLA (00:29:03)
Craig recounts his journey from Indiana University to UCLA, guided by mentors and a passion for film music.
Learning from Hollywood Legends (00:30:07)
Craig describes studying under David Raksin, who worked with Charlie Chaplin and was part of Hollywood’s golden age.
Composing and Collaborating as a Couple (00:32:07)
Eímear and Craig discuss their collaborative process, balancing composing, conducting, and producing across genres.
The Emotional Power of Film Scores (00:33:19)
Garry and the guests reflect on how music shapes the emotional impact and memory of films.
Critique of Modern Film Scoring Trends (00:33:53)
Craig critiques the current trend of subdued film scores and the importance of music serving the story.
BBC Sound of Cinema and Score Selection (00:34:44)
Eímear describes her recent BBC radio feature, selecting and analyzing iconic film scores.
The Canterville Ghost and Recording Process (00:35:25)
Discussion of their work on The Canterville Ghost, including recording locations and live performances.
The Matrix Score and Don Davis (00:35:58)
Eímear analyses Don Davis’s score for The Matrix, its orchestral innovation, and her personal connection to the composer.
Pushing Orchestras to the Edge (00:39:06)
Explanation of what it means to push musicians to their technical and expressive limits in film scoring.
Community of Composers in Los Angeles (00:40:04)
Craig describes the supportive yet competitive community of film composers in LA.
David Raksin’s Score for Laura (00:41:15)
Eímear discusses the creation and emotional depth of David Raksin’s Oscar-nominated score for Laura.
Hollywood’s Musical Lineage and Influence (00:43:58)
Stories about Raksin’s connections to Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and Copland, and their influence on film music.
E.T. and the Transformative Power of Music (00:45:02)
Eímear breaks down the iconic E.T. bike scene, illustrating how John Williams’s score elevates the film.
Technical Challenges of Scoring E.T. (00:49:56)
Discussion of the technical difficulties in synchronizing music to film before modern technology, and Spielberg’s creative solutions.
Episode Wrap-Up and Teaser for Next Week (00:51:44)
Garry closes the episode, previewing topics for the next instalment, including film scoring insights and upcoming projects.
Ireland