Puzzle
Music On Vinyl - MOVATM216 Limited Edition Numbered Yellow Vinyl

The idea behind the film 'Puzzle' is at first difficult to grasp, especially when the plot line, on the surface, goes a little like this: a suburban Mother discovers a passion for jigsaw puzzles. Upon watching the film, it becomes clear that the film is not about puzzles; it is a closely observed portrait of Agnes, the Mother who has never strayed far from home, who finds that the gift of a jigsaw puzzle sparks a whole new adventure, leading her to Robert, whom, of course, she ultimately falls in love with.

It is the music, written by Dustin O'Halloran, which leads us to the conclusion that the puzzle serves only as a symbol of what the film really portrays - the search for a piece of something which feels real and true. Like Agnes, it never strays far from home, but it has a quiet confidence and determination. O'Halloran uses the modest but graceful piano themes throughout the film to let us into Agnes' mind - she is quiet and trodden over constantly, but she has something special upon finding herself completely in command through the puzzle; something we might not inherently deem as a piece of breakthrough cinema. The music accepts this, embraces it and is completely unapologetic about it. It is subtle and allows itself to quietly accompany the lives of its protagonists.

It is not dramatic, never loud, never attention-seeking, but always there. The point is, O'Halloran's score never allows itself to be something it is not. It is not cinematic and bold but under-stated and complacent. In my view, O'Halloran had to be the obvious choice of composer for a film such as this one. His themes of beauty and reflection are always faultless in accompanying the film, however I have come to find that I am biased when it comes to Dustin O'Halloran. His music, laid-back yet never failing to be powerful, always allow me to instantly find a firm and personal point of connection.