Garth Davis praises late Johann Johannsson as ‘an introverted genius’
The composer worked on Davis’s film before he died.
Director Garth Davis has spoken about working with composer Johann Johannsson on his last score before he died at the age of 48.
The Oscar-nominated musician worked on scores for films including Arrival, Sicario and The Theory Of Everything before he was found dead in his Berlin apartment in February.
The last movie he worked on was Davis’ Mary Magdalene, with Rooney Mara in the title role and Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus.
“I had printed out a picture of a painting I had found and it’s two people standing, looking up into the light. There are all these angels that become more and more dense the further they get into the light.
“I was trying to explain to Johann that for me it’s an experiential piece of music, its not about memory or emotion it’s about the experience of ascension. So it’s so ironic that he has passed and the last song that he really focused on was about ascension.
“I remember looking over to Johann and he had a tear and I had a tear and he just had this little smile on his face.
“He was a quiet guy and an introverted genius but I know the project really touched him.”
Soundtracking with Edith Bowman Episode 82: Garth Davis is available now at www.edithbowman.com.
