Max Richter is a prominent British contemporary classical composer who has gained worldwide recognition for his supremely evocative and emotionally charged compositions over the last two decades. One of his most popular and enduring pieces of music is ‘On The Nature of Daylight’, which has appeared in numerous films and television shows, evoking powerful emotions in the viewer.
But what exactly is it about ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ that makes filmmakers so drawn to it? From its melancholic yet uplifting melodies to its haunting, ethereal soundscapes, the reasons why Richter’s music continues to be a favorite amongst filmmakers are numerous. In this article, we will explore the origins of ‘On The Nature of Daylight’, its impact on the film industry, and the reasons why so many filmmakers continue to use Richter’s music in their productions.
The Genesis of ‘On The Nature of Daylight’
‘On The Nature of Daylight’ is a track taken from Max Richter’s album ‘The Blue Notebooks’, which was released in 2004. The album was strongly influenced by the events surrounding the Iraq war and the political climate of the time. The title of the album refers to notebooks that Richter has said he found in a second-hand bookshop that had been started by an Iraqi citizen, detailing their experiences and feelings while living through the war.
The album was a critical success, receiving universal acclaim for its thoughtful and melancholic soundscapes that evoked a sense of deep emotion in listeners. However, it was not until several years later that ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ gained recognition outside of the contemporary classical music world.
The First Use in Film
In 2006, the influential American independent film ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ used ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ in a crucial scene, elevating the track to new heights of popularity. The film’s director, Marc Forster, had heard the track on a radio show and felt that it would be perfect for the final act of the movie.
In the scene, the protagonist, played by Will Ferrell, finally comes to terms with his own mortality and the consequences of his actions. At this point, ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ swells into a crescendo, perfectly capturing the character’s sense of regret and the weight of his decisions.
The use of ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ in ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ was a critical moment for Richter’s career. It marked the first time his music had been used in a significant context in a mainstream film, highlighting the universality and timeless quality of his compositions. Since then, ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ has been used in numerous movies, including ‘Shutter Island’ and ‘Disconnect’. But what is it about the track that makes it so appealing to filmmakers?
The Power of Mood and Atmosphere
One of the primary reasons why ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ is so popular with filmmakers is its ability to create an emotional mood that perfectly complements the visuals on the screen. The piece is a slow-burning meditation on loss, regret, and the beauty of the natural world, all conveyed through Richter’s light touch and delicate piano melodies.
The subtle, melancholic tone of the track can conjure up a wide range of emotions in viewers, from sadness and nostalgia to hope and contemplation. This makes it incredibly versatile in terms of the types of scenes it can be used in. A filmmaker can use the track to heighten the emotional impact of a dramatic scene, or to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in a beautiful landscape shot. It is this versatility that has made ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ a staple of the film industry. For example, the track has been used in blockbuster films such as ‘Arrival’ (2016) and ‘Shutter Island’ (2010), as well as critically acclaimed indies like ‘Wendy and Lucy’ (2008) and ‘Disconnect’ (2012).
In ‘Arrival’, the track is used during a crucial scene in which the lead character, played by Amy Adams, finally understands the true nature of her alien encounter. The track’s haunting, otherworldly quality perfectly captures the sense of awe and wonder the character is feeling, while also hinting at the pain and loss she will experience as a result. Similarly, in ‘Shutter Island’, ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ is used during the scenes where the protagonist, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, dreams about his late wife. The track’s mournful quality perfectly captures the sense of tragedy and loss that DiCaprio’s character feels, as well as the dark, foreboding nature of the film’s themes.
In both of these examples, the use of the track elevates the emotional impact of the scene, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the visuals on the screen. It is this ability to enhance the emotional power of a scene that has made ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ such a favorite with filmmakers.
The Timeless Quality of Richter’s Music
Another reason why ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ continues to be popular with filmmakers is its timeless quality. The track is a perfect example of Richter’s signature style, which combines classical instrumentation with electronic soundscapes to create a unique blend of the old and the new.
Richter’s music has been described as “neo-classical”, a term that reflects his use of traditional classical techniques, such as sweeping string arrangements and delicate piano melodies, combined with modern electronic and ambient soundscapes. This combination of the old and the new gives Richter’s music a timeless quality that allows it to work in a wide range of contexts, from period dramas to sci-fi epics. His music is not tied to any particular era or style, making it incredibly versatile in terms of its application.
It is this versatility that has made Richter’s music so popular with filmmakers. Whether they are working on a historical epic or a contemporary romance, Richter’s compositions can always find a place within the visual narrative.
Conclusion
Max Richter’s ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ has become a staple of the film industry, appearing in numerous movies and television shows and evoking powerful feelings of emotion and nostalgia in audiences around the world. The track’s popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its power to create mood and atmosphere, its timeless quality and versatility, and its ability to enhance the emotional impact of a scene. All of these factors make ‘On The Nature of Daylight’ a perfect fit for filmmakers looking to create lasting, emotionally impactful cinema.
Through his unique blend of classical instrumentation and modern electronic soundscapes, Max Richter has created a body of work that continues to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers. And with his music frequently used in major film productions, it is clear that Richter’s compositions will continue to be a favorite in the film industry for years to come.
