When Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino (Up, Ratatouille) accepted the role of writing the score for Jurassic World, he took on a monumental task. Composing legend John Williams wrote the iconic theme to the original Jurassic Park, perfectly capturing the awe and adventure of what Dr. Hammond wanted to showcase with his Jurassic Park creation. Is Giacchino up to the task of walking in Williams’ shoes? Today we get our first hint.
Picking up where Williams left off, Giacchino is one of the more reliable composers working today, and it appears he has gotten to the heart of what made Williams’ score so special while still bringing his own flair to the table.
The first two pieces of music from the film have been made available online (via Slashfilm), after first airing on WQXR Radio in New York. The nearly 10-minute arrangement showcases two tracks, “As the Jurassic World Turns” and “Untitled Track“, which will likely be revealed once the complete track-listing is made available. Listen below.
The first track, “As the Jurassic World Turns“, sounds like the main theme in the score. Giacchino infuses a sense of whimsy and excitement with the piece. I could see this section of music attached to the scenes of Ty Simpkins‘ and Nick Robinson‘s characters Gray and Zach entering the park and seeing its many attractions. Also, the name “As the Jurassic World Turns” is another fun play on words from Giacchino, who has become noted for his playful track titles.
Towards the end of the first piece, part of Williams’ main theme for Jurassic Park gets woven in, providing a nice mix of Giacchino’s new take and Williams’ classic score.
The second, untitled track is far-more ominous, likely attached to a scene involving dinosaurs not in their intended habitats (after all, this is a Jurassic Park movie). It also features a feel that’s reminiscent of Williams’ work on Jurassic Park‘s dinos-chase-people scenes (the raptors chasing the children through kitchen instantly comes to mind). And, we even get a little scary chorus build-up toward the end of the second piece – another Williams JP nod.
Giacchino’s full Jurassic World score will be ready for release on June 9 and you’ll find his work on Pixar’s Inside Out and David O. Russell’s Joy later this year. Both movies, ironically, featuring a character named Joy. For those who can’t wait for new Giacchino work, his Tomorrowland score is now available.
As for Williams, his work is few and far between these days, but he will have a new score ready for release in December with Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.
Jurassic World hits theaters on June 12, directed by Colin Trevorrow and also starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Omar Sy, Irrfan Khan, Jake Johnson and Vincent D’Onofrio.
