Scarlet

directed by Jake Ward Monsen

A detective noir set in 1944. She leaves her victims with an infamous, red kiss. Infatuated with her, Detective Rivers plays a game of duty versus devotion to stop 'The Scarlet Killer.'

Since the film takes place within an alternate version of York, my aim with the score was to infuse the musical conventions of film noir with elements of British brass band music. Brass instrumentation is therefore prevalent within the score, and helps to establish the setting and atmosphere.

Harmony and dissonance play a large role in creating tension and mystery with the film. Through combining harmonic devices from both scores of Golden Age cinema as well as mid-century modal jazz, the score is able to create a persistent sense of unease and suspense.

The melodic content of the score is primarily provided by two themes. The first is for Detective Rivers, and consists of three short fragments that slowly rise in pitch. This is to signify the rise in tension and momentum when a new clue has been discovered.

The second theme is linked to Evelynn, who is ultimately the Scarlet Killer. It is a more lyrical theme that rises and falls in an almost hypnotic manner. This is emblematic of the seductive nature of both Evelynn and the murder mystery, and how Rivers is hopelessly allured by both.

 Noir York

 The Scarlet Kiss

 The First Clue

 Frustration

 An Unshakeable Thought

 Faith in the Dark

 Rivers Run Red/End of the Line