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This is the last movie I watched in a theater with my dad. He died 2 months after it was released. I can’t watch it without thinking of him. I equate him to Wilson as I scream for him as he floats off into the abyss. This whole movie is beautiful.
I had the pleasure of sitting with Alan Silvestri and talking with him about his music. He probably expected me to ask about Back to the Future and Avengers, but we mostly spoke about Cast Away, because it's a masterpiece. He told me that they decided on having no music at all until Chuck leaves the island, to make it very lonely and to make you feel he is cut off from everything. Then as he is making his way back to civilisation, he hears music again. The film only has around 15 minutes of score, but it's one of the greatest utilisations of music for a film ever written, and shows the complete absence of ego from Silvestri, that he is willing to suggest to Zemeckis, that he isn't needed for the first hour of story. Amazing. Silvestri understands, as all of the greats do; that the moments without music can be just as powerful as with, because it makes us miss it, and makes the moments of music even more powerful.
Exactly. There's really no score until the 3rd act of the film, which is really all about the emotional toll and ultimate fallout that has occurred in his "real" life due to his harrowing and life altering experience...of being "cast away" even as he returns to the crumbled remains of his former life.
I have cried so many times through that movie. And then... I lost a dear Nashville musician friend of mine, Lari White, who was "The Butterfly" in the movie. She was the metal worker in the barn that Tom goes back to at the end. She was a wonderful singer and artist. I played with her. She loved doing a funky version of Ode To Billie Jo. We lost her to cancer. I miss her dearly. ... What a wonderful lady. What tremendous writing on the score. And, a great video by you, Charles! Thanks for giving tribute to this movie. I cried, yet again.
I think one of the most impactful aspects of this theme is the complete lack of music throughout the 80+ minutes of Chuck stuck on the island before this solo oboe entrance. And while incredibly emotional, it also has a sense of hope as it relates to the civilized world in the macro context of the film.
I tear up over long held perfectly played settled in chords ANYWAYS without doing me like that with sobbing and loss and tragedy. Simplicity and perfection is beauty.
when I hear you and Rick beato break down movie scores It makes it 10 times more impactful musically. Love the way you guys analyze the little things that make a big difference
I agree...although I would like to thank Charles for going just a little bit deeper (and thus, ultimately more thorough) than Rick...at least on the episodes that interest me
It’s not just the beginning of this scene-there is no music the entire time from the plane taking off until he loses wilson. Never on the islan is there any music. And then these three chords. It really shows you the role of music in a film. It’s amazing.
About two months ago, I was walking around a Barnes and Noble when I saw someone had made a fake book cover with “Wilson” as the author, titled “I Survived.” First I laughed because it was funny, then I felt a ridiculous sense of relief and almost broke down crying. Amazing how a fictional inanimate object could have that kind of effect on us.
I’ve noticed a trend when I watch your videos. I’ll get about a 1/4 way through and then immediately have to go to the piano and play along. I love it!
I think this is a great example of how music can work so well when you're denied it for so long and then it just appears. For more than an hour you're on the island with the protagonist and there's not music. No soundtrack. Nothing. Just the waves a lot of the time. Minimal dialogue of a man talking to himself and then to his manifested companion. When he finally gets off the island and we see it in the distance on his raft the Silvestri score gently comes in for the first time in over an hour. It's really a powerful moment. Superb film-making. Great analysis, as always Charles.
Love that you took a deeper look into this piece! Its one of my favorites. I watched the movie as a kid and connected with. I've watched a few times since, but did a deep dive into the score structure/use of music during the lockdowns. (I think something about the isolation went hand in hand with the movie) The score is so simple and incredible! Thank you!
I’m so happy to see you breaking down this scene/soundtrack 👏 I used to watch this movie with my dad before he passed away in 2020. This scene gets me choked up every time. It’s wonderful to see that this moment means so much to you as well-I’m glad your dogs are ok!
My favourite movie of all time. My favourite theme of all time. You pulled it apart so completely, with such respect, that I cannot thank you enough. You've taught me even more about the music that has meant so much to me over the years. Thank you.
Thanks for covering this. It's without a doubt my favourite 'heartbreaking' piece of music. When it gets revisited as he leaves Helen Hunt - brings me to tears every time.
From someone who has spent decades in music as a percussionist, and never paid enough attention in my composition classes, you make all this info so much more attainable than I ever experienced in any class, or even in the ensembles I've been in.
I hadn't ever payed any attention to Cast Away's score. I didn't think it would get me, but boy was I wrong. The scene where he's sobbing made me cry SO HARD.
Man, we watched this film in english class and I've never tried harder not to cry. If I watched it alone I wouldn't stand a chance. My eyes are tearing up just watching it again.
its always so crazy how the theme of a movie can translate into so many emotions. people are so smart for using themes as a way of capturing a story. it has happy aspects, it has tense and then there is also sadness.
It's very reminiscent of Dvorak 9 2nd movement - similar open voicing chords, similar instrumentation with the melody first introduced on oboe then moving to strings, I think it's even in the same key! That pause or hesitation in B section of the melody the last time it comes around always gets me... you know what's coming, but that pause... it's like you can't even breathe until the melody comes back. And it's so mournful just like this theme is.
What makes this such brilliant scoring is that Silvestri manages to bring us to tears without composing in a minor key. The open voicing in a major key is sufficient to stomp on our hearts and keep Kimberly-Clark in business with each viewing.
Surprised you chose this scene over the first time it plays, which is mere minutes before when he realizes he’s gotten so far from the island that he’s either going to be rescued or die at sea. It’s more string heavy but emotionally, as much a finality as Wilson’s death. He’s as relieved and frightened as he is sad to leave, as the island provided the coconuts, the stopping point for his tools from the various boxes, the shelter, the trees and vines for his raft. Tom Hanks’ face when he sees how far away the island is once he gets over the big wave, is a bittersweet goodbye all its own. He is on the verge of tears as he watches it get smaller and smaller. It was, after all, his home and his means of survival. In his face, we see someone truly appreciative of their home and how hard it can be to say goodbye, even when it’s necessary.
I came across this video while chopping onions. This movie succeeds at ripping the heart out and mashing it on several levels. It is one frustration after another, one disappointment after another and just when we have some modicum of hope toward optimism when Hanks finally leaves the island, then this scene does the final thrust into our hearts to keep us in dispair. Brilliant cinematography, story, scenery with minimal, but powerful music. This is what filmmaking is all about: drawing us into a story with a character that becomes dear to us with each passing minute.
This got lost in my subscription box and I wish I had found this and commented on this sooner. Your commentary and analysis of such an iconic moment in movie history was awe inspiring. It’s a shame that this kind of content doesn’t get picked up by the algorithm, this is the kind of content we need as a society today. For the love of all things musical, please continue with these kinds of deep dives. This and your breakdown of Imagination are two of my favorite things right now. Thank you Charles!
Speaking of beautiful music with simple voicings: My dad had the piano arrangement sheet music for Disney's original Beauty and the Beast song score. He brought me over and said "Check out this brilliant writing! You can play the whole gorgeous melody line on just the white (natural) keys!" So simple yet so beautiful!
You pulled me in with Pure Imagination, held my attention with Harry Potter, and I guess today was just a really good day to cry. Thanks for that. Now I can wipe my tears, put a smile on my face and wait for the next emotional gut punch from you. LOL
So love the way Charles describes things and really appreciates all the little touches that have such a huge effect and that we might not have realised! (Also @10:50 those two chords remind me of a hymn by Monk and Turton)
It reminds me SO much of "The Real Hero" from Endgame (also by Alan Silvestri)! It gives the same goodbye feeling as this theme though it uses a much wider orchestra set but in its core it's the same idea and I love it
OMG I was just about to write that exact same comment, and I was okay maybe someone already thought that and boom here you are yes I absolutely adore the funeral scene with the "Real Hero" soundtrack it's so emotional and full of "Goodbye, we've done it, our story ends here."
@@liquidspirit16 haha glad I could fulfull your expectations xD I think in a way these scenes aren't that different from each other. Shows how music is an universal language no matter the specific circumstances
@@PuppetThanksScott yeah definitely, gotta admit I haven't yet watched Cast Aways but now it's up there on my list, some great music to be teared up to wow
Charles, PLEASE make a video going into depth on Ramin Djawadi genius in the GoT series... probably one of the best I've seen... The stark theme, the way the lannister song plays in the red wedding, and the theme when cersie explodes the chappel is just, wow
This channel is one of my favorites on RUclips! I can't wait to see a video on Ludwig Göransson's theme ("Can You Hear The Music") for the Oppenheimer movie ! ... It will be much appreciated! 🔥🔥🔥
This reminds me of the "Nemo's Egg" theme. The sadness and depth of what you're listening to attached to the feeling of sorrow and feeling of having that deep sadness but hopeful feeling...ugh I really do wish you can dedicate and episode to that theme. So simple yet so powerful
Ngl when I watched this in class in middle school I laughed when Wilson floated away into the endless oceanic ether. As an adult I now regret that and try not to cry
Definitely the most emotional Ive ever been over a volleyball. I mean in the context of the movie they make it clear that he knows its just a volleyball but he's been reduced to pretending he jas a companion and it's symbolic of the idea that there are aspects if his sitiuation that hes not willing to face, like how he won't talk about his suicide attempt. He's just not able to face the fact that hes really all alone, and then fate takes even that from him.
Who else noticed that this chord progression is uncannily similar to another of Alan Silvestri’s compositions, “The Real Hero” from Avengers Endgame, and without spoiling too much about the movie, that also features a sentimental object floating away on water - my mind is actually blown, what an incredible film composer! 🤩😍
It's also VERY similar to Dvorak 9 2nd movement - same chords, same open very simple voicings, same instrumentation with the melody starting in oboe and going to strings... same key... he just really plays with the pauses and the space here, which makes it even more emotional to just leave you hanging. Even Dvorak has that, but he puts a pause in just once - the very last time the B section of the melody is played - the pause is only a second or 2, but it feels like it lasts forever... both of them brings the emotions front and center when you hear them!
@@gorak9000 It's not the same key. Dvorak's is in Db major, this is in Ab major. And the orchestration is also quite different. Dvorak uses the whole range of the string section, and Alan Silvestri uses only high registers and no contrabass
As emontially challenging as this theme is in this scene, it strikes me as every bit as compelling in the final closing scene and credits of the movie. The movie is entitled Cast Away, not Castaway. In the closing scene, Tom Hank's character has nothing left. He has been all but forgotten, with no further purpose to look forward to. But, instead of looking across an endless sea of blue water with no hope on the horizon, he's left with a sea of empty space, a landscape so barren it conveys the same sense of hopelessness. And ... he looks across that blank canvas with the same theme playing as in the loss of "Wilson". The credits play a lonely oboe solo. Also, the theme plays with the interjection of the sound of the surf between, first, a simple orghestral strings with the string bass on the tonic, then an open 5th doubled in the pedal tone with a sustained 3rd, and finally, then, a simple sustained pedal tone on the tonic followed at the end by the lonely, fading sound of the surf again. Wow.
Alan Silvestri is an underrated composer. I love John Williams, James Horner, Hanz Zimmer but not many people talk about Alan. His score for Castaway was incredible! Same goes for forrest gump and back to the future
I think the two movie scenes I just cannot watch without breaking down, and ironically are both Tom Hank scenes, are this one and the scene in Forrest Gump where he finds out he has a son. When he asks "is he smart?" I just go down.
I love your analysis videos. You always give me so many ideas for writing my own pieces. I would absolutely LOVE if you did a video on Sacrifice of Tradition from Ghost of Tsushima. To this day it’s probably my favorite video game theme
To me, the D-flat chord being in first inversion and the melody containing Cs is super impactful. Since we're in Ab I feel this chord really muddies the water, and makes my ears want to ear F minor, the parallel minor. All of the notes in that harmony are present here, but it's not exactly what's happening. It just adds a touch of sadness to a theme that would be almost uplifting if it were done with different timbres/voicing/dynamics. Really thoughtful writing. WILSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Adagio of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 heavily features that open voiced I-V-I-IV progression, too. Cast Away always reminded me of it. It truly is heartbreaking.
I know this may seem random but I have been watching adventure time lately and realising that some of the songs are actually really addictive and catchy and you do the best music breakdowns. Like the main intro, bacon pancakes, tropical island and my fries. Maybe you could do that at some point? It would be very cool.
Alan Silvestri is one of my favorite film composers and he's done some epic themes for the biggest blockbusters of all time. But it's his quieter scores that I love the most. Whether it's CASTAWAY, the quieter themes of FORREST GUMP, or my personal favorite, CONTACT. It's these scaled down and melancholic melodies that hit me the hardest.
To me, the scene that always made me tear up and where I believe this music is used again is when Helen Hunts character let’s Tom character (Chuck) get in the car to leave. Her breathing starts to get heavy as the idea of losing him grows and she finally bursts out “Chuck!” running into the water (rain in this case) after the car. It’s sort of the inverse of what happens between Chuck and Wilson. Chuck can’t stop Wilson from getting further away as the tide takes him and he helplessly watches it happen, while Helen’s character can stop Chuck from getting away, but ultimately is helpless and has to let him leave.
Great breakdown! My husband & I (both music nerds ☺️) watch them together. I have to say though: we were a little distracted by the ONE stray hair. Anyone else?? 🤣
YES - Dvorak 9 #2!!! Erie similarities to this - same key, same open and minimal voicings, same instrumentation with the melody starting with the oboe... and that glorious pause in the melody the last time you hear the B section - that pause gets me every time. Here, he really takes the pauses and gaps to the next level!
Yes, the triad I IV V with the right note placement, and you have all European classical music in your fingers... Claude Rawlings' teacher, explains it very well in Frank Conroy's fabulous novel "body and soul".
the game Age Of Pirates has a lot of it's sea ambient themes in oboe, especially the night themes, building up into horns and the whole orchestra. I didn't know what instrument it was, but now that you specifically named the oboe, the first thing that sound reminded me of, was that game... just a sail ship in the middle of nowhere, taking its sweet-ass time to come to that tiiiiiiny spec of land in the distance called "harbor", as the sun goes down and the waves rock you left and right.... before the rest of the orchestra catches up and it all goes full Black Pearl adventure mood and you think "Holy shit, what a TIME this would have been."
this has got to be one of the saddest scenes Ive ever watched. Together with the death of Bubba in Forrest Gump and the execution of John Coffin in Green Mile. All with Tom Hanks. What a great actor.
On the same note, check out Bach's Adagio in E flat, from the famous Flute sonata in G minor (BWV 1020). Talk about simple yet moving harmony and melody over there!
This movie, just based on the premise, could have been such a disaster and would fall apart if anything wasn’t perfect; I mean a guy crying over his volleyball friend floating away might have fallen into comedic territory if it wasn’t handled so well. And Tom Hanks was the perfect choice for this movie.
Please do Dances with wolves and/or Edward Scissorhands (ice dance, the ending, but also the scene where the inventor dies and how the theme is used there are worth a look I think) ❤
You could write a dissonant and painful and emotional piece for this scene, or you could go super simple and emotional and sometimes simple works so beautifully well
This is a great video but the theme actually comes in the first time when Chuck and Wilson are looking back at the island, realizing they will never see it again.
A big difference between this and "When She Loved Me" is that WSLM is a lot more complex harmonically. One of Charles's main points was how simple the harmony in this track is. WSLM is a fantastic, heartbreaking tune, and would be great for an analysis video though.
@@BriggsMullen I agree this is simpler and I love Cast Away's score however if you play WSLM on piano it is similar with simple open chords and for me and even more moving piece
![Chino Pacas - Modo Capone (with Drake & Fuerza Regida) [Video Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zjv8TQ0gBkg/mqdefault.jpg)
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you should check out the themes from Gravity falls, Amphibia and the owl house
This is the last movie I watched in a theater with my dad. He died 2 months after it was released. I can’t watch it without thinking of him. I equate him to Wilson as I scream for him as he floats off into the abyss. This whole movie is beautiful.
I'm so sorry for your loss man, that's super harsh. I agree, the movie is a beautiful piece of entertainment. Rest in peace to your father.
Sucks. That’s a sad story. At least ya got a memory.
💙
Seems like every RUclips video has one of these comments now.
Seems like it.
I had the pleasure of sitting with Alan Silvestri and talking with him about his music. He probably expected me to ask about Back to the Future and Avengers, but we mostly spoke about Cast Away, because it's a masterpiece. He told me that they decided on having no music at all until Chuck leaves the island, to make it very lonely and to make you feel he is cut off from everything. Then as he is making his way back to civilisation, he hears music again. The film only has around 15 minutes of score, but it's one of the greatest utilisations of music for a film ever written, and shows the complete absence of ego from Silvestri, that he is willing to suggest to Zemeckis, that he isn't needed for the first hour of story. Amazing.
Silvestri understands, as all of the greats do; that the moments without music can be just as powerful as with, because it makes us miss it, and makes the moments of music even more powerful.
I would add Forrest Gump and The Abyss to the list.
Exactly. There's really no score until the 3rd act of the film, which is really all about the emotional toll and ultimate fallout that has occurred in his "real" life due to his harrowing and life altering experience...of being "cast away" even as he returns to the crumbled remains of his former life.
Predator for me. Such a iconic soundtrack that really heightens the tension in the movie@@bnjmnwst
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I have cried so many times through that movie. And then... I lost a dear Nashville musician friend of mine, Lari White, who was "The Butterfly" in the movie. She was the metal worker in the barn that Tom goes back to at the end. She was a wonderful singer and artist. I played with her. She loved doing a funky version of Ode To Billie Jo. We lost her to cancer. I miss her dearly. ... What a wonderful lady. What tremendous writing on the score. And, a great video by you, Charles! Thanks for giving tribute to this movie. I cried, yet again.
I was devastated that the writers did not have Hans and White meet up at the end and develop a romance.
This film is a tear-jerker on many levels.
@@vincejamison2401 100%!!
I think one of the most impactful aspects of this theme is the complete lack of music throughout the 80+ minutes of Chuck stuck on the island before this solo oboe entrance. And while incredibly emotional, it also has a sense of hope as it relates to the civilized world in the macro context of the film.
Absolutely!! We rewatched it recently, and I’d said the smart restraint and lack of music, made the simple theme feel like something bigger than life
I tear up over long held perfectly played settled in chords ANYWAYS without doing me like that with sobbing and loss and tragedy. Simplicity and perfection is beauty.
when I hear you and Rick beato break down movie scores It makes it 10 times more impactful musically. Love the way you guys analyze the little things that make a big difference
both guys who understand the music at its heart, and bring that passion to the rest of us.
I agree...although I would like to thank Charles for going just a little bit deeper (and thus, ultimately more thorough) than Rick...at least on the episodes that interest me
An unbelievable amount of "less is more". Brilliant.
It’s not just the beginning of this scene-there is no music the entire time from the plane taking off until he loses wilson. Never on the islan is there any music. And then these three chords. It really shows you the role of music in a film. It’s amazing.
Wow, I didn't notice that. That can't be true...
it is! its amazing. the lack of music makes the island part so desolate.@@lindsaybc2192
About two months ago, I was walking around a Barnes and Noble when I saw someone had made a fake book cover with “Wilson” as the author, titled “I Survived.” First I laughed because it was funny, then I felt a ridiculous sense of relief and almost broke down crying. Amazing how a fictional inanimate object could have that kind of effect on us.
This is the first ever scene in a movie that made me cry. Now I cry at almost every movie but this is the one that opened the flood gates.
I’ve noticed a trend when I watch your videos. I’ll get about a 1/4 way through and then immediately have to go to the piano and play along. I love it!
I think this is a great example of how music can work so well when you're denied it for so long and then it just appears. For more than an hour you're on the island with the protagonist and there's not music. No soundtrack. Nothing. Just the waves a lot of the time. Minimal dialogue of a man talking to himself and then to his manifested companion. When he finally gets off the island and we see it in the distance on his raft the Silvestri score gently comes in for the first time in over an hour. It's really a powerful moment. Superb film-making. Great analysis, as always Charles.
Cast away is definitely a classic and I am glad you're covering this, what an amazing film that has music to really set the tone
One of the greatest moments in cinema history. Absolutely love this movie
Love that you took a deeper look into this piece! Its one of my favorites. I watched the movie as a kid and connected with. I've watched a few times since, but did a deep dive into the score structure/use of music during the lockdowns. (I think something about the isolation went hand in hand with the movie) The score is so simple and incredible! Thank you!
I’m so happy to see you breaking down this scene/soundtrack 👏 I used to watch this movie with my dad before he passed away in 2020. This scene gets me choked up every time. It’s wonderful to see that this moment means so much to you as well-I’m glad your dogs are ok!
My favourite movie of all time. My favourite theme of all time. You pulled it apart so completely, with such respect, that I cannot thank you enough. You've taught me even more about the music that has meant so much to me over the years. Thank you.
In a couple of words, this score is elegant and understated.
Thanks for covering this. It's without a doubt my favourite 'heartbreaking' piece of music. When it gets revisited as he leaves Helen Hunt - brings me to tears every time.
From someone who has spent decades in music as a percussionist, and never paid enough attention in my composition classes, you make all this info so much more attainable than I ever experienced in any class, or even in the ensembles I've been in.
I hadn't ever payed any attention to Cast Away's score. I didn't think it would get me, but boy was I wrong. The scene where he's sobbing made me cry SO HARD.
I’ve been waiting for you to do this score, it makes me cry every single time
Man, we watched this film in english class and I've never tried harder not to cry. If I watched it alone I wouldn't stand a chance. My eyes are tearing up just watching it again.
Dang, Charles, you're just as raw and vulnerable as Tom! Thanks for keeping it real. And I'm glad your dogs are doing well. 🙂
its always so crazy how the theme of a movie can translate into so many emotions. people are so smart for using themes as a way of capturing a story. it has happy aspects, it has tense and then there is also sadness.
It's very reminiscent of Dvorak 9 2nd movement - similar open voicing chords, similar instrumentation with the melody first introduced on oboe then moving to strings, I think it's even in the same key! That pause or hesitation in B section of the melody the last time it comes around always gets me... you know what's coming, but that pause... it's like you can't even breathe until the melody comes back. And it's so mournful just like this theme is.
So appreciate your explanation and how you feel and share your understanding. Thank you!
What makes this such brilliant scoring is that Silvestri manages to bring us to tears without composing in a minor key. The open voicing in a major key is sufficient to stomp on our hearts and keep Kimberly-Clark in business with each viewing.
Surprised you chose this scene over the first time it plays, which is mere minutes before when he realizes he’s gotten so far from the island that he’s either going to be rescued or die at sea. It’s more string heavy but emotionally, as much a finality as Wilson’s death. He’s as relieved and frightened as he is sad to leave, as the island provided the coconuts, the stopping point for his tools from the various boxes, the shelter, the trees and vines for his raft. Tom Hanks’ face when he sees how far away the island is once he gets over the big wave, is a bittersweet goodbye all its own. He is on the verge of tears as he watches it get smaller and smaller. It was, after all, his home and his means of survival. In his face, we see someone truly appreciative of their home and how hard it can be to say goodbye, even when it’s necessary.
I came across this video while chopping onions.
This movie succeeds at ripping the heart out and mashing it on several levels.
It is one frustration after another, one disappointment after another and just when we have some modicum of hope toward optimism when Hanks finally leaves the island, then this scene does the final thrust into our hearts to keep us in dispair.
Brilliant cinematography, story, scenery with minimal, but powerful music.
This is what filmmaking is all about: drawing us into a story with a character that becomes dear to us with each passing minute.
You were one of my favorite RUclipsrs to watch strictly for the movie score breakdowns love it
That Oboe though …. Beautiful
Also The Mission - Gabriel's oboe
This got lost in my subscription box and I wish I had found this and commented on this sooner. Your commentary and analysis of such an iconic moment in movie history was awe inspiring. It’s a shame that this kind of content doesn’t get picked up by the algorithm, this is the kind of content we need as a society today. For the love of all things musical, please continue with these kinds of deep dives. This and your breakdown of Imagination are two of my favorite things right now. Thank you Charles!
Thanks for this video explaining how a subtle background score can really make a gut wrenching moment.
Speaking of beautiful music with simple voicings:
My dad had the piano arrangement sheet music for Disney's original Beauty and the Beast song score. He brought me over and said "Check out this brilliant writing! You can play the whole gorgeous melody line on just the white (natural) keys!" So simple yet so beautiful!
You pulled me in with Pure Imagination, held my attention with Harry Potter, and I guess today was just a really good day to cry. Thanks for that. Now I can wipe my tears, put a smile on my face and wait for the next emotional gut punch from you. LOL
Charles is a hell of a music instructor. For real. Best on RUclips, short maybe Beato.
So love the way Charles describes things and really appreciates all the little touches that have such a huge effect and that we might not have realised! (Also @10:50 those two chords remind me of a hymn by Monk and Turton)
It reminds me SO much of "The Real Hero" from Endgame (also by Alan Silvestri)! It gives the same goodbye feeling as this theme though it uses a much wider orchestra set but in its core it's the same idea and I love it
OMG I was just about to write that exact same comment, and I was okay maybe someone already thought that and boom here you are yes I absolutely adore the funeral scene with the "Real Hero" soundtrack it's so emotional and full of "Goodbye, we've done it, our story ends here."
@@liquidspirit16 haha glad I could fulfull your expectations xD
I think in a way these scenes aren't that different from each other. Shows how music is an universal language no matter the specific circumstances
@@PuppetThanksScott yeah definitely, gotta admit I haven't yet watched Cast Aways but now it's up there on my list, some great music to be teared up to wow
@@liquidspirit16 I remember watching it as a little kid back then
Gosh I cried literal waterfalls xD I wish you an awesome experience!
Charles, PLEASE make a video going into depth on Ramin Djawadi genius in the GoT series... probably one of the best I've seen... The stark theme, the way the lannister song plays in the red wedding, and the theme when cersie explodes the chappel is just, wow
Just brilliant...less is more if you are genuine and know how to frame it
This channel is one of my favorites on RUclips!
I can't wait to see a video on Ludwig Göransson's theme ("Can You Hear The Music") for the Oppenheimer movie !
... It will be much appreciated! 🔥🔥🔥
This reminds me of the "Nemo's Egg" theme. The sadness and depth of what you're listening to attached to the feeling of sorrow and feeling of having that deep sadness but hopeful feeling...ugh
I really do wish you can dedicate and episode to that theme. So simple yet so powerful
Beautiful! Next, do the famous opening scene of Up. That gets me every time.
It's not the opening in Up that gets you, it's a few tracks in, called "Married Life" - that's the one that gets the waterworks flowing
@@gorak9000 That's the one! You're right.
@@gorak9000
Married Life is the track that plays during the opening of the film
Ngl when I watched this in class in middle school I laughed when Wilson floated away into the endless oceanic ether. As an adult I now regret that and try not to cry
Definitely the most emotional Ive ever been over a volleyball. I mean in the context of the movie they make it clear that he knows its just a volleyball but he's been reduced to pretending he jas a companion and it's symbolic of the idea that there are aspects if his sitiuation that hes not willing to face, like how he won't talk about his suicide attempt. He's just not able to face the fact that hes really all alone, and then fate takes even that from him.
Who else noticed that this chord progression is uncannily similar to another of Alan Silvestri’s compositions, “The Real Hero” from Avengers Endgame, and without spoiling too much about the movie, that also features a sentimental object floating away on water - my mind is actually blown, what an incredible film composer! 🤩😍
It's also VERY similar to Dvorak 9 2nd movement - same chords, same open very simple voicings, same instrumentation with the melody starting in oboe and going to strings... same key... he just really plays with the pauses and the space here, which makes it even more emotional to just leave you hanging. Even Dvorak has that, but he puts a pause in just once - the very last time the B section of the melody is played - the pause is only a second or 2, but it feels like it lasts forever... both of them brings the emotions front and center when you hear them!
@@gorak9000
It's not the same key. Dvorak's is in Db major, this is in Ab major. And the orchestration is also quite different. Dvorak uses the whole range of the string section, and Alan Silvestri uses only high registers and no contrabass
The story of a movie that no one wanted to produce is as amazing as the music in it.
My brother's dog's name is Wilson. So thanks for making me cry.
Hey Charles! Last night I rewatched Denis Villeneuve's Arrival, and i'd forgotten just how much the ending music hits. You should do a video about it!
As emontially challenging as this theme is in this scene, it strikes me as every bit as compelling in the final closing scene and credits of the movie. The movie is entitled Cast Away, not Castaway. In the closing scene, Tom Hank's character has nothing left. He has been all but forgotten, with no further purpose to look forward to. But, instead of looking across an endless sea of blue water with no hope on the horizon, he's left with a sea of empty space, a landscape so barren it conveys the same sense of hopelessness. And ... he looks across that blank canvas with the same theme playing as in the loss of "Wilson". The credits play a lonely oboe solo. Also, the theme plays with the interjection of the sound of the surf between, first, a simple orghestral strings with the string bass on the tonic, then an open 5th doubled in the pedal tone with a sustained 3rd, and finally, then, a simple sustained pedal tone on the tonic followed at the end by the lonely, fading sound of the surf again. Wow.
los siento wilson!
Alan Silvestri is an underrated composer. I love John Williams, James Horner, Hanz Zimmer but not many people talk about Alan. His score for Castaway was incredible! Same goes for forrest gump and back to the future
I think the two movie scenes I just cannot watch without breaking down, and ironically are both Tom Hank scenes, are this one and the scene in Forrest Gump where he finds out he has a son. When he asks "is he smart?" I just go down.
They way the notes and chords sustain in this song remind me of Abandon Window by Jon Hopkins. Real tearjerker of a song.
I love your analysis videos. You always give me so many ideas for writing my own pieces. I would absolutely LOVE if you did a video on Sacrifice of Tradition from Ghost of Tsushima. To this day it’s probably my favorite video game theme
good simple music. thanks for the dive, charles!
I’m glad your dogs are okay!!!
My go-to tear-jerker is "Somewhere" from "West Side Story'!
To me, the D-flat chord being in first inversion and the melody containing Cs is super impactful. Since we're in Ab I feel this chord really muddies the water, and makes my ears want to ear F minor, the parallel minor. All of the notes in that harmony are present here, but it's not exactly what's happening. It just adds a touch of sadness to a theme that would be almost uplifting if it were done with different timbres/voicing/dynamics. Really thoughtful writing. WILSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Adagio of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 heavily features that open voiced I-V-I-IV progression, too. Cast Away always reminded me of it. It truly is heartbreaking.
I was just listening to this piece on RUclips and wondered, does Charles Cornell have a video on this magnificent piece?
Did not disappoint :)
THIS MY FAVORITE PIANO RELATED CHANNEL
I know this may seem random but I have been watching adventure time lately and realising that some of the songs are actually really addictive and catchy and you do the best music breakdowns. Like the main intro, bacon pancakes, tropical island and my fries. Maybe you could do that at some point? It would be very cool.
Its so beautiful
Thank you for this... ❤
Alan Silvestri is one of my favorite film composers and he's done some epic themes for the biggest blockbusters of all time. But it's his quieter scores that I love the most. Whether it's CASTAWAY, the quieter themes of FORREST GUMP, or my personal favorite, CONTACT. It's these scaled down and melancholic melodies that hit me the hardest.
To me, the scene that always made me tear up and where I believe this music is used again is when Helen Hunts character let’s Tom character (Chuck) get in the car to leave. Her breathing starts to get heavy as the idea of losing him grows and she finally bursts out “Chuck!” running into the water (rain in this case) after the car. It’s sort of the inverse of what happens between Chuck and Wilson. Chuck can’t stop Wilson from getting further away as the tide takes him and he helplessly watches it happen, while Helen’s character can stop Chuck from getting away, but ultimately is helpless and has to let him leave.
Great breakdown! My husband & I (both music nerds ☺️) watch them together. I have to say though: we were a little distracted by the ONE stray hair. Anyone else?? 🤣
Not until you mentioned it.😬
Excelente descripción! Gracias 😢
Only Tom Hanks could make me cry over a volleyball. Such a well done movie.
Thank you for this video! 😀🌺
Oh my heart... how did you even get through recording this?
Reminds me of 2nd mvt of New World Symphony by Dvorak. In terms of orchestration and harmony
I had also Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture. The theme is also based on I - IV - V chords and the opening it's played only by a string quartet.
YES - Dvorak 9 #2!!! Erie similarities to this - same key, same open and minimal voicings, same instrumentation with the melody starting with the oboe... and that glorious pause in the melody the last time you hear the B section - that pause gets me every time. Here, he really takes the pauses and gaps to the next level!
@@nicolasclerc1986 The 1812 is pretty joyous and happy though, both this theme and Dvorak 9 #2 are really mournful and sad.
@@gorak9000 but interestingly, both themes are mostly based on major chords, which aren't usually associated with sadness
Yes, the triad I IV V with the right note placement, and you have all European classical music in your fingers... Claude Rawlings' teacher, explains it very well in Frank Conroy's fabulous novel "body and soul".
Charles, please continue to talk to us like Bob Ross. I’m here for it.
Thank you so much for this. Wow!
the game Age Of Pirates has a lot of it's sea ambient themes in oboe, especially the night themes, building up into horns and the whole orchestra.
I didn't know what instrument it was, but now that you specifically named the oboe, the first thing that sound reminded me of, was that game... just a sail ship in the middle of nowhere, taking its sweet-ass time to come to that tiiiiiiny spec of land in the distance called "harbor", as the sun goes down and the waves rock you left and right.... before the rest of the orchestra catches up and it all goes full Black Pearl adventure mood and you think "Holy shit, what a TIME this would have been."
Michael Giacchino's music in LOST gets me the same way, Season 4 Episode 5 hits hard
Screaming crying throwing up 😭 It ends with a single note because he's alone again 😭 it's fine this is fine everything is fine 😭😭😭
this has got to be one of the saddest scenes Ive ever watched. Together with the death of Bubba in Forrest Gump and the execution of John Coffin in Green Mile. All with Tom Hanks. What a great actor.
On the same note, check out Bach's Adagio in E flat, from the famous Flute sonata in G minor (BWV 1020). Talk about simple yet moving harmony and melody over there!
This movie, just based on the premise, could have been such a disaster and would fall apart if anything wasn’t perfect; I mean a guy crying over his volleyball friend floating away might have fallen into comedic territory if it wasn’t handled so well. And Tom Hanks was the perfect choice for this movie.
man, you're good!
you should talk about the Formula One theme, as I know you really enjoy racing!
Thank you, this is awesome! Can you please make a video on Michael Abels music? He made amazing scores for Jordan Peele's 'Get Out,' 'Us,' and 'Nope'
Why do you and all of this make me cry you beautiful bastard? Stap it! Damn…
This reminds me of "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius. It's a beautiful song! (imo should be Finlands national anthem)
Sound like a Christmas Carol.
Please do Dances with wolves and/or Edward Scissorhands (ice dance, the ending, but also the scene where the inventor dies and how the theme is used there are worth a look I think) ❤
7:06 That movement in the strings made me wonder where else I heard something like it, and then I realized Band of Brothers is very similar.
You could write a dissonant and painful and emotional piece for this scene, or you could go super simple and emotional and sometimes simple works so beautifully well
This is a great video but the theme actually comes in the first time when Chuck and Wilson are looking back at the island, realizing they will never see it again.
Those chord voicings remind me a lot of Hymn to the Fallen…. Great use of inversions.
yooo i'm early for once! i always love your videos, they taught me so much :)
JUST LIKE AVENGERS ENDGAME! Dang it Silvestri!!
Grazie Charles
Stop. I'm at work and I can't cry.
The Blue Knights do an incredible job with their arrangement of this song which they call "Away". Go check it out if you already haven't!
please do a video on When She Loved Me by Randy Newman from Toy Story 2. I feel it’s exactly what you describe here but even more powerful
A big difference between this and "When She Loved Me" is that WSLM is a lot more complex harmonically. One of Charles's main points was how simple the harmony in this track is. WSLM is a fantastic, heartbreaking tune, and would be great for an analysis video though.
@@BriggsMullen I agree this is simpler and I love Cast Away's score however if you play WSLM on piano it is similar with simple open chords and for me and even more moving piece