Key Points:
- Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn crafted a unique score for Netflix’s Terminator Zero, blending classic and modern elements.
- Their collaboration was deeply influenced by anime’s flexibility and existential themes.
- The series, set to stream on Netflix from August 29, integrates new sounds with familiar motifs from the Terminator franchise.
Terminator Zero, Netflix’s latest addition to the iconic Terminator franchise, introduces a fresh twist with its anime style and complex narrative. The new series, set in Japan and revolving around a scientist and his family pursued by a robotic killer, features a distinctive score by Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn. The composing duo, known for their work on The Lesbian Bar Project and Mother/Android, has brought a unique musical identity to the show, setting it apart from previous entries in the franchise.
How Did Birsky and Henthorn Approach the Music for Terminator Zero?
Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn drew inspiration from various sources to craft the soundtrack for Terminator Zero. They paid homage to the original Terminator films by incorporating familiar metal and synth elements but updated them with modern sounds. Influences from bands like Radiohead, particularly their album Kid A, helped shape the series’ darker, more existential tone. Birsky and Henthorn aimed to create a soundtrack that felt both fresh and relevant to the anime genre, while also reflecting the show’s unique themes of human versus machine.
Their collaborative process is a key factor in their success. Rather than splitting tasks, the duo works together on every cue, allowing for a seamless integration of their ideas. They avoid using computers during the initial stages, opting instead for jamming and recording ideas with simple tools. This approach helps them maintain a creative flow and ensures that their music remains in harmony with the show’s evolving narrative.
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What Makes the Score Unique in Terminator Zero?
The score for Terminator Zero stands out due to its innovative use of both traditional and modern sounds. For the Terminator character, Birsky and Henthorn employed a consistent two-note motif, akin to the iconic Jaws theme, to signify the presence of the robotic antagonist. They also used a variety of synthesizers and sampled metal hits from everyday objects to create a distinctive sound palette.
In addition to synthesizers, the composers incorporated human voices and acoustic instruments, manipulated to enhance the futuristic and desolate feel of the series. By blending organic sounds with digital manipulation, they created a sonic representation of the Terminator’s blend of human disguise and robotic nature.
The series also features a notable musical Easter egg: a drum line from the original Terminator film appears in a key scene, paying tribute to the franchise’s musical legacy.
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The music in Terminator Zero is intricately tied to the show’s themes and narrative structure. The series jumps between different timelines, and the score adapts accordingly. The future is depicted with a desolate, eerie soundscape, using choirs and reverb-heavy instruments to evoke a sense of dread. In contrast, the 1990s setting features a more grounded and immediate musical texture.
Birsky and Henthorn’s thematic development is evident in their work on individual characters, such as Misaki, the children’s nanny. Her evolving theme reflects her character’s growth throughout the series, from a simple piano motif to a complex, choir-enhanced composition.
The series is available for streaming on Netflix starting August 29.
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