Carmen

Nicholas Britell's score now everywhere available

Sony Music Masterworks has released CARMEN (ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK), an album of music from the Sony Pictures Classics film by three-time Academy Award nominated, Grammy nominated, and Emmy winning composer, pianist and producer NICHOLAS BRITELL. Available everywhere now, the album includes an original score by Britell as well as original songs co-written by Academy Award nominated Taura Stinson, legendary rapper and songwriter The D.O.C., and Grammy-winning singer songwriter Julieta Venegas and performed in the film by leads Melissa Barrera, Paul Mescal and Rossy de Palma, as well as Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry himself.

The album is the result of six years Britell spent in close collaboration with director Benjamin Millepied on the film for which Britell also serves as an executive producer. The final 30-track collection is a body of music as expansive as the film itself, one that soars with majesty and intensity and leads listeners on an unforgettable journey. Millepied’s complete re-imagining of CARMEN tells its story through an experimental dreamscape of a film and is an experience to behold.

Of the soundtrack, composer NICHOLAS BRITELL says, “When Benjamin first approached me about CARMEN, I remember feeling strongly that I didn’t want to ‘update’ or ‘re-arrange’ any of Bizet’s music. There are already so many incredible adaptations of Carmen. We wanted our approach to be quite different: to write an original score and original songs, imagining this as a Carmen from a parallel universe. This approach also felt right given Benjamin’s instincts to take an experimental and dream-based approach to the feeling of the film.”

“Nicholas and I spoke about the music for the film for years before we began production,” adds director BENJAMIN MILLEPIED. “The original Carmen evokes a complex tapestry of cultures. We wanted to include those as well as remain open to and discover other influences that emerged from our own exploration. I asked Nicholas to write a few pieces ahead of time—dances and songs, but also score. His music inspired such visceral imagery and atmosphere. Our collaboration was a dance of sorts. The result is a rich landscape of music, fully connected to the narrative and visuals.”

There was such an exciting energy between the collaborators. JULIETA VENEGAS remembers a really amazing time with Benjamin and Nicholas where Nicholas was playing the piano, she was singing the first song and Benjamin said “this is the beginning of Carmen.” TAURA STINSON says, “The moment after reading the script, I knew that every single word had to be intentional. That, coupled with Nicholas Britell being very specific about wanting the songs to feel like relics from an older world, was my northern star.' TRACY “THE D.O.C.” CURRY elaborates, “I was introduced to the idea of working on CARMEN by my good friend Erykah Badu, who put me in contact with Nicholas. I hadn't recorded in nearly two decades, but was excited to work with such a decorated artist. It was a real pleasure collaborating with Nicholas who has an amazing ear and is a joy to be around. Benjamin was very supportive and creative with how he helped me understand my role and what the character was trying to accomplish. The action was colorful and exciting and had the energy of an early NWA record. I felt right at home.”

ABOUT CARMEN
Benjamin Millepied’s CARMEN is a gritty modern day tale, with a majestic score by Nicholas Britell, and dream-like dance sequences that evoke magic realism. The story follows a young and fiercely independent woman who is forced to flee her home in the Mexican desert following the brutal murder of her mother, another strong and mysterious woman. Carmen survives a terrifying and dangerous illegal border crossing into the US, only to be confronted by a lawless volunteer border guard who cold-bloodedly murders two other immigrants in her group. When the border guard and his patrol partner, Aidan—a Marine with PTSD—become embroiled in a deadly standoff, Carmen and Aidan are forced to escape together. They make their way north toward Los Angeles in search of Carmen’s mother’s best friend, the mercurial Masilda and owner of La Sombra nightclub - a sanctuary of music and dance. Carmen and Aidan find both solace and their unwavering love for each other in the safety of Masilda’s magical refuge, but time is running out as the police hunt closes in.

Sony Masterworks presents the soundtrack for the musical drama Carmen. The album contains the score composed by Nicholas Britell and songs written by Britell, Taura Stinson, Julieta Venegas & Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry.

Sony Masterworks presents the soundtrack for the musical drama Carmen. The album contains the score composed by Nicholas Britell and songs written by Britell, Taura Stinson, Julieta Venegas & Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry.

The soundtrack is availlable since April 21, 2023.

Carmen is directed by Benjamin Millepied with Melissa Barrera, Paul Mescal, Rossy de Palma and The D.O.C.

Benjamin Millepied’s Carmen is a gritty modern day tale, with a majestic score by Nicholas Britell, and dream-like dance sequences that evoke magic realism.

The story follows a young and fiercely independent woman who is forced to flee her home in the Mexican desert following the brutal murder of her mother, another strong and mysterious woman.
Carmen survives a terrifying and dangerous illegal border crossing into the US, only to be confronted by a lawless volunteer border guard who cold-bloodedly murders two other immigrants in her group.
When the border guard and his patrol partner, Aidan—a Marine with PTSD—become embroiled in a deadly standoff, Carmen and Aidan are forced to escape together.
They make their way north toward Los Angeles in search of Carmen’s mother’s best friend, the mercurial Masilda and owner of La Sombra nightclub - a sanctuary of music and dance.
Carmen and Aidan find both solace and their unwavering love for each other in the safety of Masilda’s magical refuge, but time is running out as the police hunt closes in….

More info at: Official Web Site Sony Classics

More info at: Composer Nicholas Britell Official Site