Movie directors with a sonic signature

[jsilvela]

Apart from my favorite already posted by OP Wong Kar-Wai (In the mood for love is amongst my very favorites and music is one of the reasons) the ones that's definitely needs to be mentioned is Krzysztof Kieslowski with Zbigniew Preisner's music with a deep into emotion compositions.

Preisner is linked in my mind with Kieślowski, who also has a great ear.
BTW Preisner is used to great effect in Malick's Tree of Life.

In the mood for love ... what can one say. Incidentally, the soundtrack, specifically Jumeji's Theme, made me realize I had a strong room mode, and motivated me to redo my audio setup

 

[jsilvela]

Leos Carax 'Les Amants du Pont-Neuf' had great music and sound design - as does all Carax' films:

Carax's Pola X is worth tracking down, not least for the Scott Walker score.

Yet have to see Les Amants. Holy Motors left me completely baffled, though it definitely has a great sonic atmosphere.

 

[jsilvela]

So do the Wachowski siblings.

The Wachowskis and Nolan ... will definitely let you know you're watching their movie.

For the action mayhem, I still think the shootout in Heat is where it's at.
Almost no music during the whole scene, and gunshot has never sounded so terrifying.

 

[jsilvela]

Christopher Nolan uses sound to great effect.

Martin

Interstellar has become my subwoofer barometer.
I would assume you like the Coen brothers. I think they are among the best in sound.

Their shootout to Danny Boy is a thing of beauty.

 

[bluefuzz]

Holy Motors left me completely baffled

Les Amants has a (slightly) more conventional plot. Probably his best film IMO. Though I love Holy Motors too, but I do like to be baffled ... ;-)

 

[bluefuzz]

Edgar Reitz Heimat TV-series trilogy had the most fantastic integration of Nikos Mamangakis music into the fabric of the series. Almost a character in its own right. Probably the greatest TV-series ever made (IMO). Especially series two is phenomenally good.

 

[LTig]

2001 was so bold in its soundtrack. I mean, Blue Danube for the space station, genius.
The scenes with HAL; sound or its lack, fundamental.

Who would have listened to Ligeti in the first place if not because of 2001?!

Chiming in with Once upon a time in the west. The introduction is an operatic overture in modern style using natural sounds only (squeaking propeller, dripping water, buzzing fly, ...)

 

[jsilvela]

Who would have listened to Ligeti in the first place if not because of 2001?!

Hahaha, exactly!

Once upon a time in the West is a great one. Sergio Leone is definitely in.

 

[Adi777]

Impeccable music.

Oh, yes. Great soundtrack

 

[jsilvela]

Two French directors:

Luc Besson, for the bombast coupled with attention to little sounds. Another director that lets you know you're watching his movie.
BTW Tricky does a cameo in The Fifth Element

And Claude Sautet, a very refined director.
Especially "Un coeur en hiver" should be on any list of audiophile films.

 

[Adi777]

For the action mayhem, I still think the shootout in Heat is where it's at.
Almost no music during the whole scene, and gunshot has never sounded so terrifying.

Fantastic scene, and for me this movie is probably the best action movie all the time.

Chiming in with Once upon a time in the west. The introduction is an operatic overture in modern style using natural sounds only (squeaking propeller, dripping water, buzzing fly, ...)

One of the best opening in history of movies, no doubt

I will try to add something from myself, but I have no idea at the moment.

 

[threni]

Who would have listened to Ligeti in the first place if not because of 2001?!

Whatcha talkin bout, Willis? The piano etudes are beautiful - check this disc out:

György Ligeti - The Eighteen Études for Piano

Composed during the 1980s and 1990s, Ligeti’s Études have already become modern classics, absorbing the attention of musicians and audiences worldwide. They are as feared for the uncompromising severity and intransigence of their...

www.dannydriver.com

And his opera, Le Grand Macabre, is a lot of fun!

 

[threni]

Christopher Nolan uses sound to great effect.

Martin

He certainly doesn't let the words get in the way of the music...

 

[Timcognito]

Not sure if this qualifies

John Barry Composer of 11 James Bond films

 

[diddley]

Tarantino

 

[rgpit]

Wes Anderson... The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

 

[mhardy6647]

Another vote for Robert Altman's style of unfocused dialog soundscapes

 

[AdamG]

NOLAN for the Win for the Most Clipped and compressed Audio in Movies! Legendary Status

 

[Chrispy]

Can't imagine Tarantino's films without the thoughtful soundtracks, which have become one of his signatures.

 

[spigot]

John Carpenter intensified scenes with his brooding and pulsating scores. Most of which he wrote and performed, going back to Assault on Precinct 13. Unique sounding films.