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ALEXANDRE DESPLAT HIRED TO SCORE ‘NEW MOON’, CARTER BURWELL NOT RETURNING

Posted April 16th, 2009 By: Team Switzerland 95 Comments »

Carter Burwell, the amazing film score composer who worked on Twilight and created the famous “Bella’s Lullaby” has stated, through his website, that he has not been asked to score New Moon, and instead, composer Alexandre Desplat has been asked. Read his statement below:

As I understand it, the director of New Moon, Chris Weitz, has hired Alexandre Desplat to composer the music for the film. Desplat composed the music for Weitz’ earlier film The Golden Compass. I don’t know if they’ll use any of my themes from Twilight, such as “Bella’s Lullaby”.

SOURCE

(Thanks Em)

I have to say, I’m really saddened that Carter won’t be returning for New Moon. I thought the score for Twilight was amazing and really added a lot to the film. But, like I’ve said a million times in the past, I completely trust Chris with the film and am supportive 100% in his decisions. I’ve never seen The Golden Compass, so I can’t vouch for Desplat or the score of that film.

How do you feel about Carter not returning? Were you pleased with the score in Twilight? And what about The Golden Compass – have you seen it? And if so, how did you feel about the score?

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featherhead

I agree with Angelina, the person we need to be harsh on is the screenwriter. Melissa Rothenberg should’ve been changed because she IS the one who writes the script and totally BUTCHERED our precious Twilight. The screenwriter decides what parts of the book goes into and out of the movie. She WRITES the diaologue, so if the movie is yet again butcherd (too teeny bopper and cheesy), and important things like oh let me see “I love you”, are left out, it will be her fault. She totally missed the point on Twilight and didn’t write the script properly. The love between Bella and Edward was not properly conveyed at all and crucial parts of the book were left out. Once again, the screenwriter, not the director or composer, needs to be criticized. If New Moon fails to convey these emotions, we’ll know who to blame.
darlenecullen

featherhead, You have taken the words right out of my mouth.Everything you have said here is perfect! But is there anything,we can do about this? I’m sure, all of us agree with you,so do you have any ideas? Is she for sure,going to be New Moon’s screenwriter?
featherhead

Yup. She’s the screenwriter for NewMoon. I don’t understand why though. Did Summit not get the negative reaction from the first Twilight film on how poorly done the script was? I don’t understand why Weitz would choose to still go with her after the way she destroyed the entire script the first time around. I mean come on, the Biology fieldtrip scene, the Wayland death, the diner?! All UNESCESSARY! WTH?! None of that was even in the book! That movie time and money couldn’ve been used for more important and crucial scenes that couldn’ve made a significant impact on the movie. Where is the romance? Where is Edward and Bella spending time together getting to know each other? Where is the ‘I love you’? The movie fails to convey all of this and also fails to properly convey the characters personalities. Bella is a responsible teenager who cares for those around her but yet the movie makes her seem like a whiny, studdering, moody little girl. The movie was rushed and not to the point. Whose fault was that? Yeah,maybe the director some, but mainly the screenwriter. I say for Eclipse they’d better choose someone else. I hope she proves me wrong for New Moon and does better with the second chance she’s been given.I don’t care how long the movie is (and I think many will agree on this) I will gladly sit for hours/days if need be as long as she gets the movie script right and to the point (not rushed). The bar is raised high and she’d better not let us down again.
featherhead

PS-I think all that can be done at this point is see how New Moon turns out. Too late to ask for a new screen writer for the script is already written and in full effect. If she screws up this time, we ALL need to complain and beg for a new one next time around. I don’t know if Summit has a blog site but that would be the best idea. I don’t even know who reads our praises and complaints. Do the fans get any say in what should go in the movies? Are we being heard and do our pleas get passed on to the appropriate people? Who knows. We just need to stick together and somehow get our message out there.
Simone

I think that Alexandre is awonderful choice. After admiring his work over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed some trademarks of his. He takes the location of the film into his sound which is more than I can say for many and with his strong reliance on strings and piano, he is able to create hautingly beautiful music. There is a reason he was nominated for an Oscar. Not to say that Burwell was bad, because his pieces did fit the mood and created something otherworldly, because it had to feel like something else, just like Edward. However, we will see the story much more focused on Bella who is anything but otherworldly. Desplat’s overall saddened tenderness in his music is filled with emotion and sure not to let down anyone, especially for New Moon!
http://jasay08GMAIL.COM Jill

I heard that the script had a few re-writes, so I hope that means Chris Weitz kept telling Melissa — “Nope, you suck, try again!” a couple of times til she got it right. I am really depending on Chris to save this movie.

Anyway, I HATED Bella’s Lullaby — I was expecting something so magical and beautiful — like Yiruma’s “River Flows in You”. I hope they completely change it up and make it sound like an actual lullaby. And to the people who are worried about lack of consistency — guess what, in the Twilight movie they never even mentioned that Edward wrote that song for Bella, the only way you know it’s the lullaby is to look at the soundtrack. SO I hope New Moon can somehow squeeze that moment in there somehow and Edward will have something totally beautiful to hum to Bella to help her sleep. Wouldn’t you die to see that scene with Rob humming?? *dies*
Liz

Thank you! I thought out of everything, the script was to blame when it comes to the issues I had with Twilight not being up to par. blah blah blah, we all have something to complain about but we all should agree that many of our “favorite” scenes or book moments were left out to dry. Hopefully, this time things will be BETTER. I feel like they will.
Kelly

I was disappointed in Bella’s Lullaby but liked the rest of the score, I am actually glad there is a new team working on New Moon. I feel really optimistic, I kinda with someone would redo Twilight and get the meadow scene right. I can’t wait to see what Chris does with New Moon!
Sharie

When heard this I was thrilled. Not a big fan of Carter Burwell’s score at all. I thought it took away from the film personally and made parts very cheesy, like the awful electric guitar during the biology scene. It starts to sound like after-school special music at times. I do like Edward’s theme and Bella’s Lullaby is nice, not what I really wanted though. I would like to see Desplat use Burwell’s lullaby and make it his own for consistency, but even if he makes a whole new Bella’s Lullaby, I’ll bet it will be brilliant and all you guys won’t be shedding a tear then. Desplat’s work is exactly what I would have wanted from the better version of Twilight I had envisioned. Good call Weitz!!!! I’m lovin’ ya more everyday.
Judiette

I’m starting to doubt a lot of the choices made for the rest of the books. It seems they want something new in almost every movie to come out. They are forgetting how consistent they all need to be. It was a foolish choice not to keep Burwell for the rest of the films. I also do not agree with everyone wanting Drew Barrymore to do the director. I think they should still consider Juan Antonio Bayona.
bigmama

yes i was happy with the music in twilight! i do like cater too. but i really don’t think that if his music does not appear in the new moon that it wont be all that bad. though i will miss his music. and as for golden compass i liked the movie and i did like the music with that as well. but not enough to go out an buy the sound track like i did for twilight! i believe that we have to give it a chance before we judge it!!!
jenb

I am kind of sad to hear that Carter Burwell won’t be back for NM. I love the Twilight score & listen to it a lot! (I usually don’t like scores because it’s just instrumental. But I love this one! And it doesn’t hurt that it’s Twilight.) I feel bad for him because he did an awesome job and I think he should be back for NM to help the story go and also that way it would be similiar to Twilight and flow. (Am I making sense?) Oh well. I hope CW and this Alexandre Desplat will do a good job. I hope they use Bella’s Lullaby from Twilight so that it’s the same. (It wasn’t exactly the same as I was thinking from the book but I like it.) I think it would be stupid to change it from movie to movie.
Taliwan

Totally bummed… Carter’s music went perfectly with the movie. I hope the movie will be a contiuation as the books were. New Director, New Music Composer, what’s next????

Hoping for the best!!!!
Micha

People need to understand that this is great news.

Im sorry but Carters music made the movie cheesy. The film not only needs to appeal to the book fans, but it needs to appeal to the new “film fans”. And yes the soundtrack was good but Carter DID NOT create the songs on the sound track, those were made by the respected artists featured on there.

I also was very disappointed by Bellas lullaby. It did not seem like a score that was written by a 100 year old vampire, who has had decades to perfect his piano skills. I actually do hope they re-write it. Because no where in the film was it said officially, that is was “Bella Lullaby”. Except in the credits (which no really stays to see) and on the soundtrack.
Carol

I loved Bella’s lullabye. They have to use that to keep consistency. At least you would hope they will want some consistency in the saga. Who knows. I guess we will just have to wait and see. I thought Carter did a great job.
mrs.cullen.black

Carter Burwell is asuhm , he took RobertPattinson ”Bella’s Lulaby ” and madee it even moree fantasic (if possiblee). All i can say is ; i hope this new fella is good..

xD

oOox
SKate_fan777

I just listened to a bunch of his composed music and I think he is almost a perfect fit! I hope that he does well with New Moon. I was a little disappointed with Twilight’s score. I just felt like it needed less of the guitar or something. I don’t know. Something just wasn’t right for me. I wish him luck!
sunny

I am really bummed to hear Carter will not be doing the score. I think there needs to be continuity to some degree to give the films a “signature”. His music was very haunting and powerful. I remember thinking the new trailer was not that interesting, and then realized it didn’t have any interesting music. I hope that is to come! Music adds so much to a movie’s feel.
kellie

when does the new moon score released??
JoCullenitis

Personally… I liked the orig. score from Twilight (it was eerily beautiful), but I was HIGHLY disappointed with not only “Bella’s Lullaby”, which was parochial at best, but also the way it was portrayed in the film (as Catherine Hardwicke directed it).

It deserved a MUCH larger part in the film, and it deserved to be a more beautiful, poetic, intricate piece as well.

Desplat’s work on Mr. Magorium is WONDERFUL, and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with. Honestly, I wish he had been chosen for the first movie, if solely to have come up with a better Lullaby than Burwell did.

I too wouldn’t mind if they re-wrote the Lullaby and gave it a larger role in one of the sequels.
Marion

OMG! You GOT to be kidding me guys! Carter Burwell’s compositions are a piece of crap. A big one! Even Bella’s Lullaby wehich is actually cute, instead of being a PIANO composition, it features a whole orchestra. WTF?Honestly how can you listen to this cd every day?
On the contrary Alexandre Desplat is a very talented musician and he has writen the music of many big Hollywood productions. His compositions are genius and soothing and definately fit for everyday relaxation.
I’m 100% Alexandre Desplat supporter.
http://yahoo.com AEONFLUX

i have to agree with mario with my heart.i jsut heard the piece by Alexandre andit was incredible.i luv it.aand as for carter,sorry but the moment i heard the lullaby, ihatedit, i luv this new song it sbeautiful.and as far as am concerened i dont care waht u say, im glad that they took him out, i get ot listen to a beautiful song now,yay!!.srry about the typos.
Lexi

I just got the New Moon soundtrack and the score by Alexander Desplat is amazing for The Meadow. I loved the score for Twilight but if The Meadow is any indication of how the rest of the score will be I can’t wait to get it when it is available.
josephine

has anyone heard the meadow – alexandre desplat did?
he’s a genius!
carter is amazing as well but ive never heard such a beautiful score since now.
Sara

I have never really been a huge fan of Carter Burwells so I’m not sorry he is not returning for New Moon…I have been a fan of Alexandre Desplat’s work for quite a few years and I know he will do an amazing job…and also put a lot more meaning into the score than (I’m sorry to say) I did not enjoy in Burwell’s score
http://ehowton.livejournal.com ehowton

Not a huge fan of Desplat. Look what Elfman did to Hellboy 2 because he was more popular than Beltrami. Outside of Zimmer taking over for Badelt on POTC its a recipe for failure.
Phoenix

Clearly this is going to get me shot, but I HATED the Twilight movie compared to the book. When I heard that they were changing directors for “New Moon,” I was leaping for joy, and the fact that they changed composers was even better news.

I’m sorry — “Bella’s Lullaby” and the whole Edward/Bella love theme was gorgeous — but Burwell’s “Twilight” score was so flat and unoriginal I was yawning through the entire thing. All of the ‘action’ sequences were so cliche and boring; the track labeled “Phascination Phase” had me rolling my eyes so hard at the disgusting gossip-girlesque music I thought they’d get lost in the back of my head. I’m a complete orchestral score snob, and I despised Burwell’s scoring in 8 out of 10 songs.

Alexandre Desplat has been nominated for Oscar awards for a reason; his score piece that he released on the soundtrack album was moving and evocative. Now hopefully the new director will follow Desplat’s footsteps and finish wiping the teenage-girl glitter away from “Twilight;” when the original move wasn’t catering to the prepubescant fanbase there were actually a few glowing gems buried within. Hopefully a change of director will tease those gems all the way out.
Katie

I am a big fan of Carter Burwell and I thought he did an amazing job on the Twilight Score it actually brought me to tears I know that sounds so dramatic but its true. In the end though I have heard The Meadow which is one of the songs off of the New Moon score and I am impressed. I hope the rest of the score is just as good as that song.
Anna

I am so totally glad that they changed the director cause she does a sucky job and plus she says she quit but they really fired her! The song choises are good but they could have been better but hey the new director, just from the prieviews i’ve seen has done an outstanding job! go The Twilight Saga and Stephanie Meyer!
Favorite songs for New Moon are:
1)Meet me on the Equinox- Death Cab For Cutie
2)Friends- Band of Skulls
3)Possiblity- Lykke Li
4)Satellite Heart – Anya Marina
5)I Belong To You (New Moon Remix) – Muse
6)The Violet Hour – Sea Wolf
AND
7)New Moon (The Meadow) – Alexandre Desplat
Cathryn

Just back from seeing the movie. The score is perfect…the movie is great and they work really well together. You will be amazed.
mmorgan

just saw the movie and the score is vapid and predictable and all the magic is gone from the original. Carter Burwell rules! There is not one single memorable sound or melody in New Moon. Shame on the brass at Summit for changing the music, the director and the hair and make up guy. Won’t be going to see the rest.
KT17

New Moon was soooo good. I saw it last night and it was so much better than Twilight. If you have not seen it yet, go grab a ticket because it will amaze you.
twilight music fan

i saw the movie last night–carter burwell is the superior composer by far. his music had a certain edgy, mysterious, enchanted, romantic feeling all at once, whereas desplat’s score is just too light and traditionally classical. no edge. no mystery. no feeling. and bella’s song and the twilight melody should have been at least semi-present or re-worked into the new movie. those songs and melodies are so highly recognizable and were even used in trailers for new moon, but abandoned for the movie. every series needs that prevailing sound to weave the installments together and create some musical continuity…
Ale

Actually, I’ve saw the movie already, and I loved it, the only thing I didin’t like was the score. Carter Burwell made a fabulous job in Twilight. The music was mysterious, intens and it made you feel every scene. It sounded like rock, It was hard core like the movie. This time I felt it corny, boring and fairy taleish. I hope they change their minds and for the next movie they hired Burwell back. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ayandra

I watched New Moon, and I got very sad that Carter Burwell didn’t make the new score, cause he really did a GREAT job on Twilight, it’s sooo good to listen! But as I said, I watched the New Moon, and I enjoyed the new score too. I reasearch, and Alexandre Desplat is really good too, he did the Benjamin Button’s score, and Girl with a pearl earring. The new score has more violins, piano, and not too beats, still, it’s very dark and beautiful.
Well, I liked a lot! ^^ But I still miss Carter Burwell!!!
Lori

After seeing Twilight, I really wanted to buy the score. The music was very moving to me. However, I saw New Moon a week ago and realized that I had no recolection whatsoever of any music. I think that it would have been better to keep Burwell, or at the very least, keep some of the common themes in order to unify each movie.
Ella

i think Desplat “The Meadow” really fits New Moon (its sadness,depression and all). And also Burwell “Bella’s Lullaby” really had the emotions of Twilight. They had their own magic for those movies.
Christine

I have to say that I thought the music score was horrible. Horrible to the point of distraction and ruination of the movie. Not that the score was bad in itself, just completely wrong for this movie. It was sickenly melodramatic and it completely jarred against the contemporary songs mixed into the soundtrack. I cannot even begin to express how much I was disappointed by it. I loved the music of the original Twilight more than the movie itself. They should have stayed with the original composer. His was score was classical and beautiful, yet still had the contemporary edge that flowed with the other songs and was perfect for the movie. I truly, truly hope they didn’t wreck Eclipse with the same hideous, syrupy score. New Moon’s music really wrecked the enjoyment of the visuals for me.
Hermione

I personally think that this was a great change. Not only was the movie phenomenally better than Twilight, but the music was absolutely enthralling. I could listen to it over and over, it just . . . fulfilled the movie. I don’t think that judging the new director and composer before the movie had come out was a great idea, because I think that most of it lived up to what it knocked up to be. It was really good. I wouldn’t be surprised if they used the same people from New Moon throughout all the movies. Alexandre Desplat did amazing, though I have to stand by the fact that Hans Zimmer is my favorite composer. This is just my opinion, please don’t flame me for it. I think that the New Moon soundtrack was MUCH better and more classical than the first one, the first one was a bit too modern for what it should have been. But, I still thought it was pretty good.
Marie

I completely disagree that New Moon was better. It was a slick production that had a pompous feel in the choosing of the music. It was amateur hour in cutting from the inserted contemporary music clips to then “attempting” to move into Desplat’s horrid music. Example: watch Twilight cut from MuteMath’s “Spotlight” into thier conversation in the woods. Seamless, beautifully done. Then watch New Moon music in the Victoria chase scene attempt transition to where Bella jumps from the rocks. Again I state: Amateur Hour. It was too loud and abrupt in transitions. Desplat also showed his ego by not knowing when to just let the music stop. It was crammed into every conceivable quiet spot in the movie. Watch an old 70′s horror flick, and I promise you, you will get a feeling of de ja vue. It’s exactly the same, and I am embarrassed for whoever allowed it to happen. It had none of the magic and ethereal quality of the first movie. Shame.
Gena

well, i agree with the overall vibe… no consistency – new moon’s music was a letdown, nothing like Carter’s score in Twilight, which enhanced every part of the movie and portrayed the intensity of the book. Sorry but new moon didn’t do this for me, because of the music – making it all seem fake – like a fantasy – this is not the neverending story dudes – the twilight saga is so much more – i know the story is fantasy, of course – but the theme of these books and movies is not like such movies as harry potter etc.. Alexandre Desplat just ruined it for me.
Who is writing the score for Eclipse? Please tell me Carter is going to work on the rest of the movies – or they’re just going to go downhill…….
jules

in scenes of new moon i felt like i was watching harry potter. it was such a strange experience. i was very disappointed to not hear “bella’s lullabye” in new moon. it made new moon feel disconnected from twilight. i thought the score would be a great way for the series of films to be connected together. it’s a shame this isn’t the case.
JuliaCullen424

Don't they need Bella's Lullaby for like Breaking Dawn because if I recall correctly, Edward was playing it after Bella became a vamp.
Adi

I agree with the most recent comments. Carter Burwell did an amazing job of Twilight, but the score for New Moon is just boring and sounds like any other movie soundtrack. There is no atmosphere and it is a huge shame there is no continuity between the two films. There are only two half decent tracks, and I have listened to the whole score over and over trying to gain anything else out of it. Carter made a modern soundtrack, original and appropriate, for what is after all, a story involving teenagers. For a truly great soundtrack where the score links 3 different movies that all the same story (as this ohe is), look at The Lord of the Rings soundtrack, by Howard Shore.
Detrit

Movie is gay, great composer and music