Ennio Morricone was so prolific composing scores for so many films that have become classics, it actually takes all of the 2 and a half hours to cover his work. It is remarkable, and shown in the documentary, that after providing more than 400 soundtracks that have left their mark on cinematic as well as another 200 in classical music history, he can immediately recall and sing the iconic notes of each film title, on command.
After 6 nominations for films including The Untouchables (1988) and Bugsy (1992) he finally won for the score for Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight (2016). He also received an Honorary Oscar for his body of work. In addition he also won BAFTA awards for The Hateful Eight and The Untouchables plus Once Upon a Time America (1985) and Cinema Paradiso (1991) among awards for so many other films he scored.
Although he didn’t win an Oscar for it, one of his most Iconic scores is Clint Eastwood’s whistled themes for The Good, the Bad and The Ugly. Interviews with both Tarantino and Eastwood, along with so many other famous directors and composers including Bernardo Bertolucci, Dario Argento, Oliver Stone, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Bruce Springsteen, Lina Wertmuller, Quincy Jones, are in the film. His collaborations were numerous, fulfilling and fruitful.
You see Ennio’s workspace filled with piles of sheet music and wonder what tunes may be running inside his head as he’s being filmed for this documentary by Director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) and Cinematographers Giancarlo Aleggeri and Fabio Zamarion.
Of course, the film covers his childhood, his work, collaborations, concerts and correspondence along with his 63 year marriage with children and a rich family life. The film is in multiple languages with subtitles, but don’t let that dissuade you. This prolific musical genius is shown to be quietly engaging with notes running constantly in his head. Ennio died at 92 leaving a memorable legacy of movie and TV themes in a film justifiably long for all the Maestro accomplished as a man who never thought music would be his destiny.
Music Box Films. 2 hours and 36 minutes. Documentary
Now playing at select theaters including The Music Box Theatre Chicago.
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