A House of Dynamite Score Explained: Composer Crafts Tension for Bigelow’s Thriller

Acclaimed composer Volker Bertelmann has scored Kathryn Bigelow’s new political thriller. The film, titled “A House of Dynamite,” is now streaming on Netflix. It features a tense, ominous score that heightens the movie’s high-stakes narrative.

The story chronicles a U.S. government crisis involving an unidentified nuclear missile launch. Bertelmann’s music uses string orchestras and experimental piano to create a palpable sense of dread.

Scoring a Unique Three-Part Narrative Structure

The film’s plot repeats itself three times through different characters’ perspectives. This unique structure presented a distinct compositional challenge. Bertelmann had to create a score that felt cohesive yet distinct for each chapter.

He approached it by using repetition with variation. Each chapter ends with a different musical resolution, from quiet to a dramatic “boom.” This technique ensures the audience remains engaged and surprised throughout the repeating cycles.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bertelmann focused on building “tension ramps.” The music suddenly drops out, leaving viewers in silence before slowly rebuilding the pressure. This creates irregular, unpredictable moments that amplify the film’s suspense.

Collaborating with a Master Filmmaker

Bertelmann found Bigelow to be a precise and thoughtful director. She granted him significant creative freedom during the initial scoring process. Their collaboration involved fine-tuning the music’s intensity to perfectly serve the story.

They initially experimented with an even darker sonic palette for the film. They ultimately dialed it back to preserve the emotional core of the characters. The final score balances heavy, pressurized sounds with moments of human emotion.

This project contrasts with his concurrent work on Edward Berger’s “Ballad of a Small Player.” That score utilizes low brass and woodwinds to portray a gambler’s surreal descent, showcasing Bertelmann’s versatile range.

The score for “A House of Dynamite” is a masterclass in cinematic tension. Bertelmann’s innovative approach perfectly complements Bigelow’s gripping directorial vision.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is ‘A House of Dynamite’ about?

The film is a political thriller. It follows the U.S. government’s response to an unauthorized nuclear missile launch. The story unfolds through three repeating perspectives.

Who stars in the Netflix film?

The movie features a large ensemble cast. It includes Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and Anthony Ramos. Jason Clarke and Moses Ingram also feature prominently.

How does the score enhance the film?

Volker Bertelmann’s score uses strings and piano to build suspense. It creates irregular tension ramps that drop out unexpectedly. This musical approach keeps viewers constantly on edge.

Why was the score’s darkness adjusted?

Early versions of the music were even more intense. The composer and director felt it risked overshadowing the characters’ emotions. They refined it to better balance tension and feeling.

How does this score differ from ‘Conclave’?

Bertelmann describes the score for this film as “much more heavy.” It has more constant pressure underneath compared to the religious thriller. The tone is more relentlessly tense.