imperfection is perfection
Sporadic film reviews by a wanna-be filmmaker
MONDAY @ THE MUSIC: EX MACHINA
One of the best things about the film Ex Machina is the unsettling atmosphere that is as thick as the walls inside Nathan’s research lab. Listening to the soundtrack reveals why this was achieved with such a subtle effect, as all the tunes are appropriately electronic, but mostly ambient in nature, often combined with a very deliberate rhythmic pulse. No wonder that behind the friendly conversations between Caleb and genius inventor Nathan there was a constant sense of foreboding, an eerie feeling of dread that was hard to place, hard to pinpoint just why it felt that way! This feeling loomed over the entire film. If I was to choose a favourite, it would be track 5 – Hacking – Cutting. Honestly I find the entire album hypnotic, but this track, along with the final track, are where it peaks, both in volume and in intensity. Just have a listen to this, all the way through, it reminds me of the crazy synths of It Follows. Make sure to turn it UP! As well as the bass!
After a quick listen to the Ex Machina soundtrack, it becomes obvious how this subtle, foreboding mood was achieved. Minimalist in design but heavy on the atmosphere, it subtly pulses in the background of the film, very rarely overwhelming the viewer. In fact, it is so subtle that I barely noticed it at all apart from some of the memorable melodies. However there were a few scenes where the action got a little hairy and the volume of the music rose appropriately, much like the track above. But despite rises in volume or slight distortion, the lush melodies continue to draw you in, and I’m telling you, listening to it on a surround sound system with that sub-woofer turned up up UP makes it sound downright amazing.
There isn’t a helluva lot to add, as the soundtrack is so minimalistic in nature. However I wanted to bring it to the attention to anyone who happens to be reading this, as this album is now what I use to fall asleep. Some of the melodies that appear almost sound like lullabies, but when combined with the film and the way Nathan acted, it adds so much without being an overbearing presence at all. A simply masterful composition. Please, sit back, close your eyes…. and let it suck you into its vortex…. God, just listening to this makes me want to delve into the movie again. I can’t wait for this to be released on blu-ray!!!
This is yet another soundtrack from a recent film that I could sit back and enjoy start to finish – no visuals required. However…..
… If we are talking about Ex Machina and the music within it, how could we forget this scene!! Damn, Oscar Isaac has some MOVES!!
19 Comments on “MONDAY @ THE MUSIC: EX MACHINA”
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imperfection is perfection 
The disco scene was one of my favorites–love Oscar’s dancing, but more because the dancing added to the eerie, disjointed atmosphere. Then the song, so sexy and loving in a place that was cold and sterile. It was perfect.
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Totally agree Cindy! The juxtaposition between that scene and the creepy vibe just added to the overall strange atmosphere. Thanks for commenting! 🙂
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This dance scene is probably one of my favourite scenes of all time. So random and yet it fit in with the movie so well
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Totally! Oscar has some moves!!
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OH my god yes!
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This is like what pink Floyd would sound like if they had today’s technology in the early 70’s! Amazing stuff.
And you gotta love Isaac’s moves. Apparently the original scene was twice as long before editing!
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The music adds so much to the eerie and atmospheric tone of the film, great spotlight here Jordan!
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Thanks Ruth 🙂 And yeah you are spot on, I didn’t notice it at first but it really adds to the sense of dread. Isaac’s acting was also a major factor, him and Viggo are my man-crushes when it comes to acting. ;D
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So you must absolutely LOVE Two Faces in January didn’t you, having two of your male crushes in one film 😉
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Hahaha! I did indeed love that film, despite its flaws. I’ve watched it three times 😉
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Dude for some reason I can’t see the words on your blog when I’m on my phone. When I get back to my computer I plan on leaving ab actual comment here. Lol
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That is very odd… Perhaps cos it is white text. The black background should offset that… weird!
BTW – I’m making a post re- a Philip Seymour Hoffman blogathon today, would love to have you be a part of it!!
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Yeah I have a WP app, and maybe it just doesn’t format properly. I could switch to the internet I suppose. Yes, I remember u were trying to start that up. I would be down for that for sure. Do u need me to send an email or something?
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Nah I’m gonna make a proper ‘announcement’ post and then, I dunno, I’m still sorting it out in my head… but basically after my post today, everyone can pick a Hoffman movie and watch/write about it some time before July 15.
July 15 is my sites 1st bithday (yay!!!!) so on that date I’ll make a post linking and commenting on each of the entries
So yeah, basically just pick any Hoffman movie that you want and write about it on your site any day before July 15
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Okay, sounds good. I’m thinking about talking about his role in Twister. He’s had so many great roles, more dramatic ones for sure, but this was the first one I saw him in and he’s so Damn amazing in it.
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That’d be an awesome choice man! Hell I don’t even remember him being in Twister its been so long since I’ve seen it.
A proper post will be up on my site in the next day. I was thinking about a logo but I’m horrid at making them!
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Yeah I’m not good either. That’s why I had someone else create the blog banner for my site! Haha. Everything else I’ve done but I feel is pretty sloppy. If I have some free time this weekend maybe I could mess around with some stuff but I won’t make any promises that it’ll look good….
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Appreciate it man! But my lil sis, who is awesome, knocked up something for me before she had to fly interstate. Now i just need her to teach me how to do it it!!!
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This is quite a slow movie in terms of pacing, so this soundtrack is vital to make Ex_Machina as tense and exciting as it was. Great write-up.
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