Avatar films are a remarkable achievement, blending stunning visuals with intricate music. Composer Simon Franglen spent seven years crafting the score for the latest installment, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*. Throughout this time, he composed an impressive 1,907 pages of music. His commitment to detail is evident in his innovative approach, including the creation of new instruments tailored for the world of Pandora.
Franglen finished the final musical piece just five days before the movie was released. He revealed that *Fire and Ash* features “four times as much” music as the typical Hollywood film. Most of its nearly 200-minute runtime is filled with intricate musical arrangements. He humorously noted, “But I got 10 minutes off for good behavior.”
Set to be released on December 19, *Fire and Ash* continues the epic saga of the Na’vi. This time, it explores themes of grief and loss, focusing on Jake Sully and Neytiri as they mourn their son, Neteyam. Franglen aimed to capture their emotional distance through music, saying, “Grief is not often addressed in films, but it’s one of the hardest things a family can endure.” He creatively used musical elements to reflect their disconnect, employing unconventional techniques to evoke an atmosphere of sorrow.
On the flip side, Franglen also had fun composing for the Wind Traders, a lively clan in the film. Their music draws inspiration from classic adventure films but includes unique instruments he designed for them. He envisioned a hoedown scene aboard their airship while ensuring that instruments would believably fit a world inhabited by giant blue beings. This led to the creation of a long-necked lute and a percussion piece resembling the materials from their ship, crafted using 3D printing technology.
Franglen’s career began at just 13 when he expressed interest in becoming a record producer. His early experiences led him into the heart of the music industry, where he worked on popular tracks with notable artists like Michael Jackson. This blend of diverse sounds and innovation continues to define his work today, especially in film scoring, where he mastered the craft by working on projects such as *Dances With Wolves* and *Se7en*.
As he reflects on his journey, Franglen mentions the differences he sees in current filmmaking trends. Director James Cameron’s commitment to authenticity means no artificial intelligence was used in producing the music for *Fire and Ash*. “Jim won’t compromise,” he says. “It’s important to keep real musicians in the mix.”
As *Avatar: Fire and Ash* gears up for release, Franglen is thrilled about the film’s potential impact. The first two installments garnered immense box office success, with the second breaking records. For the latest film, Franglen shares that they aim for a break-even point of around $1.4 billion. If successful, this may pave the way for *Avatar Four* and *Five*, both of which are already scripted and awaiting production.
Overall, Simon Franglen’s work in *Avatar: Fire and Ash* embodies creativity and dedication, marking a new chapter in the musical landscape of epic filmmaking. As fans eagerly await the film, Franglen’s excitement about what lies ahead shines through, illustrating a commitment to innovation that continually redefines the boundaries of film music.
