To finish up 2022, I attempt to unravel the new murder mystery Glass Onion, with the help of its composer, Nathan Johnson (Knives Out, Looper). Not surprisingly, then, Nathan and I jump into his big, orchestral score, including revisiting themes from the predecessor film Knives Out, creating new themes (particularly the theme for Janelle Monáe’s character, Andi), and finding the right sound for the film. Along the way we talk about working with Rian Johnson and Guillermo del Toro (with whom Nathan collaborated on 2021’s Nightmare Alley), picking the right projects, impostor syndrome, and more!
One thing that struck me about our conversation is how open Nathan was regarding choosing projects and collaboration. I’ve long wondered why he scores so few projects. The answer may be with how picky he is in choosing what to work on, telling me that he “want[s] to be helping to tell the best stories that exist,” because “the goal of film music is storytelling.” As part of that, he also looks to “have a strong leader at the front; that really releases you to push as far as you can, because they’re protecting it.” This reminded me of something similar Volker Bertelmann recently told me, in which he also looks for collaborators that can challenge him and push his boundaries. Here’s to hoping that this becomes more of a norm in film.
Those that enjoyed Nathan’s score for Knives Out will find a lot to love in Glass Onion. His score features a bit of a familiar orchestral palette, but bigger, more lush, and with a curious, devilish harpsichord serving as a signature sound. The Academy Award shortlisted score is an adventurous, gripping ride that also leaves just enough room for sorrow and romance. Just like the film, it’s a fun time.
You can find out more about Nathan on his website. Glass Onion is currently available on Netflix, while Nathan’s score (and many of his prior works) is available on all major digital platforms.
Have a listen to our conversation below or wherever you get your podcasts (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts).
About Glass Onion
“Who hasn’t spent the last few years dreaming of a glorious beach getaway? In 2020, while in lockdown, Academy Award-nominated writer and director Rian Johnson decided to take a fantasy vacation — with a killer twist. The result is Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which sees detective Benoit Blanc (Golden Globe-nominee Daniel Craig) reprising his role from Knives Out and traveling to the Mediterranean to solve a brand-new mystery.
If Knives Out was about the murderous ties of flesh and blood, Glass Onion makes a good case for being just as wary of one’s closest friends. When tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites some of his nearest and dearest for a getaway on his private Greek island, it soon becomes clear that all is not perfect in paradise. And when someone turns up dead, well, who better than Blanc to peel back the layers of intrigue?” – from Netflix.