Sound Shock: The Music of Carrie

The Music of Carrie: An exclusive audio essay discussing Pino Donaggio’s haunting score for Brian De Palma’s 1976 classic Carrie

Is there any more haunting, perfect horror film than Brian De Palma’s 1976 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel Carrie? There are many films that come close to matching its lurid elegance and blood-smeared grace, but few films have managed to capture the lighting in the bottle that makes the film so electric and enduring.

RELATED: The Music of Tobe Hooper’s Lifeforce

Everything in Carrie works. From its source story to its fluid direction to its energetic and game young cast. But gelling it all together is the dynamic, romantic and often melodramatic music of Italian composer Pino Donaggio.

RELATED: An ode to Carrie

In this audio essay from our ongoing Sound Shock series, I discuss this beautiful score for this mesmerizing American classic, complete with cues from the film itself.

Have a listen…

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