If you think composing music for a blockbuster TV show is like stealing candy from a baby, think again! Gustavo Santaolalla, the genius behind the spooky melodies of “The Last of Us,” has a tale that might surprise you. Imagine this: a two-time Academy Award winner, having cinematic music like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Babel,” admitting to feeling the pressure while working on a TV show. Yes, even legends get anxiety!
Santaolalla’s journey with “The Last of Us” began not with the TV series but with the original video game, which already had a massive fanbase. Despite having terrible gaming skills, he poured his soul into creating an emotional connection with players through his symphonic tunes. And boy, did it work! People dive deep into the rollercoaster of emotions while playing the game, all thanks to his expressive music.
When it was time to turn the gaming world into a TV reality starring Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey, Santaolalla faced a whole new set of challenges. The strategy? Stick to the original music, theme, fabric, and textures, which were instrumental. Picture this: You’ve created something so beloved that fans have practically tattooed it on their hearts. Now, you have to repackage it for a different medium without losing its essence. Will people love it? Probably.
Despite these nerves and anxiety, Santaolalla had a secret weapon: creative freedom. Neil Druckmann, the mastermind behind “The Last of Us,” trusted Santaolalla wholeheartedly. This freedom of expression allowed him to stay true to the original game’s soundtrack, ensuring that the music for the TV adaptation was as thrilling as ever. He stuck with the familiar themes and textures, blending the old with the new seamlessly. Imagine rewatching your favorite childhood movie; it feels nostalgic yet fresh every time.
Interestingly, Santaolalla advances his work in a very spontaneous manner. He lets his primal instincts guide him, only rationalizing his creative decisions after the fact. It’s like cooking a dish with your heart and then writing the recipe down afterward. “The Last of Us” is about distinguishing Joel’s world, with a subtle depressed background music, and Ellie’s world, represented by the brittle accent of the ronroco, a traditional Andean instrument.
As we enthusiastically anticipate season two, Santaolalla is ready to dive back into the musical landscape that he helped bring to life. He’s hinted that there’s still a lot to explore musically, and he’s excited to be part of this ongoing journey. So, the anxiety that gave driving force to Santaolalla’s passion and dedication turned it into a masterpiece, proving that even the masters face nerves—but it’s not what happens to you but how you react that matters. The next time you’re watching “The Last of Us,” take a moment to appreciate the music—it’s not just background noise but the soul of a compassionate artist that follows the leads.