A couple months ago I received a phone call out of the blue offering me a position to help out on the musical score for The Vision Forum and Erwin brothers studio’s latest film, The Mysterious Islands. The film is about a group of extraordinary men who travel to the Galapagos Islands to refute the evolutionist theories of Charles Darwin 150 years after his historic visit to the islands.
Needless to say, I was already looking forward to the film’s release with much anticipation, so being asked to be part of the music team was a real honor. I was joining the film’s primary composer, Paul Mills, a professional based out of Franklin TN, and Audri Vernier, a San Antonio-based cellist (and interviewee in Homeschool Dropouts, I might add) who recorded multiple Bach cello solos for the film.
Above is a short scene from the film where the adventurers go beneath the surface of the water for the first time. Underwater music has a rich and glorious heritage; From Saint Saens to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to John Williams, there is a lot of great music here to draw inspiration from (and be judged by), so writing in the style can be an exhilarating and daunting experience. Nevertheless, I had a blast. You can hear the music I composed for the scene and judge for yourselves how well it works.
Over the next couple weeks I will be posting an assortment of different clips and teasers of the score, so be sure to check back regularly. Also, be sure to check out Paul Mills’s myspace page to hear some of his music!
Media used with permission from Vision Forum 2009
I recognized some parts that reminded me of work from Hans Zimmer (specifically from PotC, Batman, Transformers), National Treasure, and Master and Commander. Were these “inspiration” for the entire score?
I got the sound track for christmas, I love it.
Jeremiah,
To have your question answered properly you would really have to ask a number of the different people involved on the project– A number of people had influential roles in deciding the direction of the score for TMI. And it also kinda depends on what you mean by “inspiration.”
But if you want to hear which composer wrote which music, I recommend you buy the soundtrack from Vision Forum. http://www.visionforum.com/search/productdetail.aspx?search=soundtrack&productid=47861
Thanks, Dallas!
I’m glad you appreciate it.
Love the Movie,
and the soundtrack is great.
Love the Movie, and the soundtrack is great.
Wow, what a blessing of an opportunity! That film looks good, too.
As to the clip- the music definitely had that surreal feel. Reminded me of BBC’s “Blue Planet” and also something from “Star Wars,” when they were underwater, swimming to Jar-Jar’s world….
Good job.
From Return of the Daughters to Mysterious Islands I have enjoyed the music. Outstanding job!
Oh cool! I had no idea you did the music for this movie! I really liked it! I’ll have to watch it again!: )
I was enthralled with the animals! Usually I notice things like music, which I’m very big into. I did remember a few scenes of which had great music! Kind of peaceful and serene right? I agree with Gabriel, it did sound like BBC type music. Its very important to me that the filming be good in movies, which this one was. Great movie!
I really do like your music here! It really fits with the way the creatures move. I especially like the ray in the first little bit, the gentle violin (?) in the background makes it even more beautiful! I can’t wait to see (I mean hear) more of your music in the future!
Mr. Botkin:
I have met your sisters and they are both wonderful. So tonight I was on their website, saw a link to Jasmine Baucham’s site, and on JB’s site saw a link to your site. JSYK: I’m blown away. I’m sitting here on my couch going, “oh my gosh. This is incredible. Where can I buy this music?!”
Well, I bought the Mysterious Islands soundtrack. Two words: Love It. I really do. Please continue making this awesome music. God bless you and He has given you a great talent.
In Christ,
-E Rose
Very good, Mr. Botkin. I have the sound track, and my two favorites were written by you. Keep up the good work. And by the way . . . I LOVE your ‘Buccaneers!’ piece.
~Jamie Joyce
P.S. Please tell your sisters they are a blessing to our family for me . . .
Great job Ben!
Stunning music !!
It is so interesting to read the “thinking” and inspiration behind the music for a soundtrack. This movie is beautiful and the music adds so much to the beauty. I really liked reading about it then watching the clip. Well done!
I am enjoying my Monday evenings with your mother!