Tom Tykwer Uses Techno-Music to Match the Surreal Tempo

Tom Tykwer is a master at using techno-music to match the surreal tempo of his films. In this blog post, we explore how he does it.

Introduction

In the science fiction film “Cloud Atlas,” music plays an integral role in setting the tone and tempo of the film’s six different stories, which span hundreds of years. Composer and director Tom Tykwer said he used techno-influenced music to create a “surreal” feeling in the sections set in the future.

“Cloud Atlas” is based on the 2004 novel of the same name by David Mitchell. The film has an ensemble cast that includes Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant and Jim Broadbent.

The film follows six different stories that span centuries, from the 19th century to a post-apocalyptic future. In an interview with Spindle magazine, Tykwer said he used music to connect the different stories.

The Use of Techno-Music

The use of techno-music in the film “Run Lola Run” was integral to the film’s overall tone and atmosphere. The music helped to create a sense of urgency and excitement, and also helped to convey the chaotic and fast-paced nature of the film’s plot.

In “Run Lola Run”

In the 1998 film “Run Lola Run”, Tom Tykwer uses techno-music to match the surreal tempo of the film. The movie is about a young woman who has twenty minutes to save her boyfriend’s life. The music reflects the urgency of the situation, and keeps the viewer on edge throughout the film.

In “The International”

In “The International”, Tom Tykwer uses techno-music to match the surreal tempo of the film. This creates a sense of unease and tension that reflects the characters’ mental states. The use of techno-music also amplifies the chaotic energy of the film’s many action sequences.

Tykwer’s Use of Techno-Music to Match the Surreal Tempo

Tom Tykwer’s use of techno-music throughout the film “Run Lola Run” is a perfect example of how music can be used to match the tempo of a particular scene. The techno-music in the film helps to create a sense of urgency and excitement that mirrors the fast-paced, chaotic nature of the film’s plot.

In “Run Lola Run”

In “Run Lola Run”, Tom Tykwer uses techno-music to match the surreal tempo of the film. The high-pitched and fast-paced music reflects the anxiety and intensity of the characters’ experiences. The music also serves to create a sense of urgency and excitement, which is appropriate for a film that is all about time and timing.

In “The International”

One of the most interesting aspects of Tom Tykwer’s direction in “The International” is his use of techno-music to match the surreal tempo of the film. The entire film is like one long chase scene, and the music reflects that by being constantly in motion. Even when characters are simply talking, the music is moving, creating a feeling of unease and tension. This is not background music; it is music that demands to be noticed, and it perfectly complements the film’s visual style.

Conclusion

Tom Tykwer is a master of using music to control the tempo of his films. In “Run Lola Run” he used techno-music to ratchet up the sense of urgency. In “Cloud Atlas” he used a variety of genres to reflect both the time periods represented in the film and the overall arc of the story. And in “The International” he again relied on techno-music, this time to reflect the global, amoral world of international finance.