Over the past decade, are there any film composers with a better resume than Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross? Honestly, since 2010, when “The Social Network” was released, Reznor and Ross have become names that are mentioned with the likes of Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Alexandre Desplat, and more as some of the best musicians working in film today. And they’ve done with music that is beautifully written and performed but is 100% unique to their own style. This is what makes their work on “Mank” so interesting.
With Reznor and Ross collaborating with David Fincher once more (after work on “The Social Network,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” and “Gone Girl”) on the upcoming Netflix black and white period film, “Mank,” fans of the composers will hear what the duo bring to a film that isn’t just about the creation of “Citizen Kane” but a feature that hopes to replicate the style of a film of that era. Considering Reznor and Ross aren’t the first people you think about when thinking of classic Hollywood scores, the idea of them tackling “Mank” is exciting and curious.
READ MORE: ‘The Woman In The Window’ Score By Trent Reznor And Atticus Ross Scrapped
Thankfully, Reznor went on social media to share a link to a “secret” website that not only has some behind-the-scenes pictures from Fincher’s latest film, but also a sneak peek at the score the duo have worked on for the film. And upon first listen (these sorts of things take multiple listens to really absorb), the score is beautiful and unlike anything they’ve composed previously.
READ MORE: ‘Mank’: David Fincher Wanted Gary Oldman To Be “Au Naturel” In The Period Drama
So, you have a classic Hollywood black and white feature (“Mank”), a superhero TV drama (“Watchmen”), and a Pixar film (“Soul”). All three of which are released within a year of each other and all three composed by two guys that are also responsible for industrial rock in Nine Inch Nails. That’s quite the year and a real statement that the duo is not just “Fincher’s guys” but really are, hands down, some of the best composers working today.
You can hear the music at the “secret” site for “Mank,” which was shared by Reznor below: