Review by Natália Araújo do Carmo
What is a Live Score Experience?
This February, I went to the Browning Cinema to see Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) with a live score by DJ Reminisce.X. I was there with Paulina, another DeBartolo Performing Arts Center ambassador, and as we got our tickets and popcorn, we couldn’t help but wonder what a live score would actually be like. Neither of us had ever been to one before, so we didn’t know what to expect. Now, I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Why Live Scores Make Movie Watching Unique
Watching a live score is a completely different experience from a normal movie screening. Without the film’s original soundtrack and dialogue, the audience is invited to interpret the visuals on their own, guided by the artist’s musical choices. When I attended the Fantastic Mr. Fox event, I felt absolutely enthralled by the film. Although the theater was packed with families and students, it felt as if it was just me and the screen, with the music surrounding us and overtaking any external thoughts.
DJ Reminisce.X: A Unique Live Score Experience
DJ Reminisce.X has a distinctive style that blends influences from hip-hop and experimental music. She featured artists such as André 3000, who is known for an authenticity that defies musical genres. During much of the film, she used rhythmic, steady beats that created an almost hypnotic atmosphere when combined with Wes Anderson’s whimsical world. The steadiness of her tunes built up to powerful mood changes whenever something big happened in the movie, and she switched up the beats with perfect timing.
Photo courtesy of Leigh Hayden.
A First-Time Wes Anderson Stop-Motion Experience
This was not only my first time watching a live score, but also my first time watching a Wes Anderson stop-motion animated movie. It is safe to say I hit the jackpot with this combination. In Fantastic Mr. Fox, everything feels magical—from the bright earthy tones that color the world, to the dreamlike movements of carefully handcrafted stop-motion characters. Wes Anderson plays with symmetry and detail to tell a heartfelt story of love, family, and self-esteem, all amidst an exciting heist.
Why Fantastic Mr. Fox is a Timeless Family Movie
The plot of Fantastic Mr. Fox is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book by the same name. We follow Mr. Fox, a former chicken thief turned family man who cannot resist one final heist. My favorite character was Ash, Mr. Fox’s son, who has to learn how to deal with his insecurities and embrace his quirky charm. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a perfect film for people of all ages. You are never too young or too old for themes of family, identity, and personal growth with a touch of whimsy.
What Makes Live Score Events Worth Experiencing?
From the story to the live music, this was an experience I could not have gotten elsewhere. I love being able to watch new releases and revisit older films at the Browning Cinema for prices that fit perfectly into my student budget. Now, I have another type of event to look forward to at the Browning: live-score screenings! If you want a cinematic experience unlike any other, I highly recommend adding that to your list.
If you go to a live score of a film you have not seen before, you have a blank canvas to paint the film’s message with your own colors. Who are the characters, and what do they sound like? How do they express their emotions in response to the events of the plot? These points are fundamental to one’s interpretation of a film—and, at a live score, they are handed to you. It feels like reading the lyrics to a song instead of just listening to it: you pay more attention to each word and fill them with meaning in a way that deeply reflects your own self.
Additionally, if you have seen the film before, you are bound to find new interpretations and details you had not noticed before. You may already know what happens, but how does it happen? What do the characters’ movements and facial expressions tell you about the nuances of their emotions and thoughts throughout the story? You might find yourself seeing each character in a different light after being invited to reinterpret them on your own.
Why the Browning Cinema is the Best Venue for Live Score Events
In short, the Browning Cinema is the right place for anyone looking for great films and unique experiences. I know I will be back as often as I can to experience new events, and I hope to see you there!
Photos courtesy of Leigh Hayden and Natália Araújo do Carmo.
