Quentin Tarantino’s Unique Bond with Ennio Morricone

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino is known for his distinctive style, often integrating existing music into his movies instead of employing original scores. However, with his 2015 film “The Hateful Eight,” Tarantino made a notable exception, commissioning an original score from acclaimed composer Ennio Morricone.

Tarantino, who directed and wrote the Western thriller, expressed deep admiration for Morricone, declaring him his favorite composer. “There couldn’t have been a better person suited for the job,” Tarantino said, highlighting their long-standing appreciation for each other’s work.

The movie stars actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, presenting a gripping tale of a group trapped in a cabin amid a snowstorm shortly after the Civil War. Critically, the film was praised for its screenplay, cinematography, and Morricone’s original score, winning significant accolades, including an Academy Award.

In crafting the score, Tarantino allowed Morricone complete artistic control, which resulted in a rich, nuanced soundtrack that expanded from an intended ten minutes of music to thirty. “I think it’s magnificent in the film and gives it a wonderful quality,” Tarantino remarked on the collaboration.

Morricone, who passed away in 2020 at 91, had an illustrious career spanning six decades, creating scores for iconic films such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “Once Upon A Time in America.” Before his death, he shared his meticulous approach, stating, “When I compose I always have a clear idea of the tone and mood of the film.”

Tarantino’s love for music spans beyond film scores; he sees music as essential to his creative process. His eclectic taste influences his filmmaking, with specific songs shaping the development of his scripts. The Pulp Fiction director has often used music as a form of escapism, fueling his writing.

As Tarantino continues to expand in cinematic exploration, he remains committed to integrating music as a critical aspect of his storytelling. His next project is set to be “The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth,” starring Brad Pitt, with details about the film’s score yet to be revealed.