Why didn't the classic theme appear in the new film?

[Tapkaara]

I don't think it would have blended well with the tone of the film. Like Return of Godzilla, G14 adopted a darker, more ominous score that the original theme would have clashed with rather than complemented.

Regardless of whether or not it would have clashed with the supposed "dark tone" of the film, Ifukube's Godzilla theme is better and certainly more memorable than anything Desplat wrote.

One man's opinion.

A film is more than the sum of its parts though; cohesion is more important than having a single element that's great on it's own doesn't gel with the rest of the package. I really can't think of anywhere in the film where Ifukube's theme would have fit seamlessly.

I am not arguing that point. I am not suggesting that there necessarily could have been a place in the film where the theme could have/should have been used. I am merely saying that Ifukube's Godzilla theme is a more distinctive, better piece of music that any of the tracks Desplat wrote for his own Godzilla score. It's mostly mediocre music.

[GodzillaRangerPrime]

I'm hoping the next film gets a new composer.
Desplat music just negatively clashed with some scenes in the film.
The best piece of music was in the diving into hell scene, but that wasn't scored by him.

I'm hoping for Michael Giacchino or Han Zimmer.

[Kaijunator]

I'm hoping the next film gets a new composer.
Desplat music just negatively clashed with some scenes in the film.
The best piece of music was in the diving into hell scene, but that wasn't scored by him.

I'm hoping for Michael Giacchino or Han Zimmer.

I thought Desplat was awesome. I wouldn't mind seeing Zimmer or Giacchino though.

[Mr. Xeno]

I'm hoping for Michael Giacchino or Han Zimmer.

Hanz Zimmer is probably the best composer working today, but Giacchino honestly feels really bland to me. The only scores of his that I even remotely remember are the respective opening pieces of The Incredibles, Super 8, and Let Me In, and he's been quite the prolific composer.

[Jatahaxe]

My little sister loved this movie, and the lack of Godzilla's classic theme was the one complaint she had with it. I found that interesting.

[Tapkaara]

I agree, I think Desplat should be replaced by another composer for the new film. I think the franchise could most certainly benefit from a better composer. I'd like to see Mr. Edwards replaced too, but that's another story for another thread .

[Variola]

A film is more than the sum of its parts though; cohesion is more important than having a single element that's great on it's own doesn't gel with the rest of the package. I really can't think of anywhere in the film where Ifukube's theme would have fit seamlessly.

I am not arguing that point. I am not suggesting that there necessarily could have been a place in the film where the theme could have/should have been used. I am merely saying that Ifukube's Godzilla theme is a more distinctive, better piece of music that any of the tracks Desplat wrote for his own Godzilla score. It's mostly mediocre music.

In that case I'd simply have to respectfully disagree with you.

I thought it was a fine score. Suitably ominous and bombastic. Especially liked the opening credits theme, really got me pumped.

[PRIMEVAL]

While I do enjoy Desplat's work on this film, I'd love it if Giacchino took his place. He did a great job with Cloverfield's theme and TLW:JP Playstation game, though his Jurassic World score was kinda bland (but then, it did fit the movie in that regard imo).

[Tapkaara]

While I do enjoy Desplat's work on this film, I'd love it if Giacchino took his place. He did a great job with Cloverfield's theme and TLW:JP Playstation game, though his Jurassic World score was kinda bland (but then, it did fit the movie in that regard imo).

I just don't understand why that Giacchino guy's name gets thrown around so much. He's quite overrated. I'd hate for him to be involved in any capacity on a Godzilla film. I suppose he does his own thing and all, which is admirable, but what he does just doesn't wow me, personally. But people really, really seem to dig him, so, I don't know.

[kamilleblu]

I don't think the theme would have been as difficult to incorporate as some people are making it out to be. Even if it had to be slightly reworked (which is what I would have wanted anyway), it would have been wonderful to hear. Especially since I found Desplat's work to be forgettable.

[g2vd]

Yeah, if there had to be a remix this is a pretty good one that could have worked. it's not perfect and at times it strays too close to the normal theme we have in the movie. and strays a little bit too far from the original a bit at times but it's a good theme.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tg9Jd3wfLqI

[Tapkaara]

I don't think the theme would have been as difficult to incorporate as some people are making it out to be. Even if it had to be slightly reworked (which is what I would have wanted anyway), it would have been wonderful to hear. Especially since I found Desplat's work to be forgettable.

Well, I honestly would not have minded it if the theme made an appearance, but not slightly reworked. Ifukube fails to be Ifukube anymore if you change what he wrote, especially in terms of the harmonies.

"Forgettable" is a good word. Granted, this was the first film of its kind that Mr. Desplat scored; I really do feel as if you can "hear" the inexperience in the music. If he's brought on to do the next film, I'd hope by then he'll have learned a better technique by then.

[PRIMEVAL]

While I do enjoy Desplat's work on this film, I'd love it if Giacchino took his place. He did a great job with Cloverfield's theme and TLW:JP Playstation game, though his Jurassic World score was kinda bland (but then, it did fit the movie in that regard imo).

I just don't understand why that Giacchino guy's name gets thrown around so much. He's quite overrated. I'd hate for him to be involved in any capacity on a Godzilla film. I suppose he does his own thing and all, which is admirable, but what he does just doesn't wow me, personally. But people really, really seem to dig him, so, I don't know.

To each their own, really. I've been a fan of his work since the late 90's.

[JVM]

I think they could've thrown it over the credits without interfering with the rest of the film, personally.

[djkgoji]

I think they could've thrown it over the credits without interfering with the rest of the film, personally.

I agree with this. Love the score to G14 overall, but don't see why an Ifukube theme couldn't have been incorporated in the closing titles.

[Tapkaara]

Ultimately, it was Desplat's score and I really can't say that I blame him for wanting to do his own thing.

It's just that his own thing was so bloody mediocre. But then again, so was the film, therefore, I guess everything worked out just the way it should have.

[eabaker]

I think they could've thrown it over the credits without interfering with the rest of the film, personally.

I agree with this. Love the score to G14 overall, but don't see why an Ifukube theme couldn't have been incorporated in the closing titles.

I feel like the message that would have sent would be, "Godzilla's new origin story is over, and from here on in, these will be movies in the mold of the classic Toho films." I doubt that's what anyone at Legendary wanted to convey.

EDIT: Actually, that only really would have been the case if the Ifukube music was used over the final shots prior to the credits, or began immediately as the credits rolled. Had they used it, but later in the credits, it would have served as more of an acknowledgement of history than a comment on their own movie, but it would have been a pretty hollow gesture, almost condescending. I feel like something as significant to the series as Ifukube's music should be used because it is exactly the right element for the moment, or it should not be used at all, but it shouldn't be used frivolously.

[Godzillian]

Because they didn't want to pay for it? Because they didn't feel the need to include it in the films score? Because Legendary higher ups didn't like the idea of using the classic theme?

[Giga Kaiju]

Well, like some have said before me. Maybe to differentiate from other films and give it its own spin of things, I'd assume.

[Jiragozira14]

Because this film is supposed to be a fresh take on the franchise; and honestly, I think Desplat's score works much better when accompanied by the visuals than slapping the Ikufube theme in would have. Like, imagine the final battle if they just slapped the Ikufube theme onto it.

Not as engaging, is it? We've gotten so used to Ikufube's works getting reused every movie that it's become expected. Honestly, I liked Desplat's work; it's atmospheric and fits the mood of the scenes it is used in. It may not be an ear worm like Ikufube's theme, but nobody bitched about '84 not having the Ikufube theme, so why is it people do it now?

I'd rather a unique score than yet another friggin' regurgitation of the Ikufube theme. :/