The Haunting Soundtrack of Kubrick's Cult Classic
How a Reversed Orthodox Chant Created Cinematic History
Composer and pianist Jocelyn Pook crafted one of the most memorable film scores in modern cinema for Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut." Her work on the movie's masked ball sequence is particularly legendary, creating an atmosphere that is both grandiose and hellish.
The Origins of an Otherworldly Sound
Pook's innovative score for the "Eyes Wide Shut" scene was built around a recording of Romanian priests singing an Orthodox Liturgy, which she then played backwards. This technique resulted in a uniquely unsettling and menacing auditory experience that perfectly complemented the film's mysterious tone.
A Composer's Creative Vision
Despite the ominous quality, Pook had a specific artistic intention. She explained that she wanted the strings to create a sense of magic. "So that when the higher pitched voice of the priest comes in it transports you somewhere beautiful," Pook stated. This balance between beauty and unease is what makes the Eyes Wide Shut music so powerful.
Kubrick's Trust in a Rising Talent
At the time of the film's production, Jocelyn Pook was a relatively unknown composer. Kubrick, however, gave her free reign to soundtrack a film starring Hollywood's biggest couple, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. This creative freedom allowed Pook to develop a score that has since become iconic.
The film, initially released in 1999, has gained a unique status over the years, evolving into what some now consider a cult Christmas film. Pook's contribution remains a cornerstone of its enduring and unsettling appeal.
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