11. My top 5 Hans Zimmer’s movie soundtracks

If you find yourself to be in love with cinematic approach to music,‘Zimmer’ is probably the name that comes first to your mind. Whether you love his work or you consider it mediocre, you’re surely aware that this man is one among the most successful and recognizable composers of our time… when it comes to the cinema industry, anyway. Some people say his OST is dull and repetitive. They might be right, in a way : when you hear it, you know that ‘this’ is by Hans Zimmer. The vast majority of moviegoers admire his talent, sometimes they even call him a genius or ‘the Mozart’ of XXI century. With all honesty, I do agree with them.

Hans Zimmer’s ability to build up a tension, evoke emotions and create an atmosphere result in various masterpieces. His music highlights the images extremely well. Here are some of the most memorable movie soundtracks composed by him from my point of view.

The Last Samurai

That was probably my first encounter with Zimmer’s work. In this OST he mixes symphonic melancholy and epicness with traditional Japanese instruments like koto, shakuhachi flute or taiko drums, which make the movie experience to be an emotional rollercoaster. He gives us the beauty of Japanese culture in pair with sometimes subtle, sometimes powerful orchestra. Hans Zimmer’s key to success.

Interstellar

What is the composer’s idea for an extraterrestrial journey? The instrument called organ. This OST’s main focus are these relaxing / haunting sounds played on organ which is supported by violins and other classical instruments. Some compositions are calm evoking cold emptiness of space; some of them evolve around the concept of time which plays a huge role in Christopher Nolan’s film. Usually, they lead to a powerful climax.

Dunkirk

One of his greatest works and at the same time one of the most criticized to date. This time Christopher Nolan has given the composer a different task. He wanted Zimmer to compose something much different compared to his previous soundtracks. As a result of this, fans who expected another epic and emotional themes were given more tense and howling OST, which was meant to reflect horror, fear, helplessness and desperation the soldier faced on the beach of Dunkirk. The music makes us feel that time’s running while we’re stuck and aware that the doom’s coming. 

BVS / Man of Steel

Critics may not admire these movies but they must admit that their soundtrack is spot on. I’ve probably never heard a better Batman’s theme. Wonder Woman’s debut was marked with a magnificent piece of music which is placed today among the best themes of the entire genre. The tension between two iconic characters (Batman and Superman) is captured by the soundtrack perfectly. It’s lofty, emotional, epic and thrilling.

Gladiator

Hans Zimmer’s work for ‘Gladiator’ was probably his second step to the great fame (the first being the Academy Award for ‘the Lion King’) he has nowadays. His cooperation with Lisa Gerrard (a vocalist from an Australian band Dead Can Dance), the fusion of Zimmers’ compositions and Gerrard’s vocals guaranteed them an Oscar nomination in 2001.