Behind the Scenes of the Most Intriguing Film Soundtrack Stories: 'Torn Curtain' and 'Casablanca'

From the legendary scores that shaped iconic films to stories of artistic conflict, the world of film soundtracks is rich with captivating tales of the creative minds behind the scenes. Let's dive into two such intriguing stories: the almost non-appearance of the main character in an acclaimed movie due to a composer's intense dislike, and the unexpected dual release of two soundtrack albums for the same film.

A Tangled Tale: Satz vs. Steiner in 'Casablanca'

One of the most interesting and enigmatic stories in film history revolves around the legendary composer Max Steiner and his involvement in the classic 1942 romantic drama 'Casablanca'. Norman Satz, an American film composer, was initially assigned to compose the score for Casablanca. However, Steiner's intense dislike for Satz and his music almost led to the dismissal of the latter from the project.

Steiner didn't hold back in voicing his disapproval. He went to great lengths to ensure that Satz's involvement in the project would be averted, and he succeeded to a certain extent. The turning point came when Satz had to have his hair cut for his role in another film, which would have made re-shooting necessary. Given Steiner's insistence and Satz's essential role, Max Steiner had to eventually go and 'whistle' the score for the film.

This incident, while insignificant to the film's grand story, reflects the intense competitive nature of the film industry, particularly during the golden era of Hollywood. It's a testament to the power of a renowned composer's vision and creativity in shaping a timeless classic.

The Strange Case of 'Torn Curtain': A Composer’s Stand Against Commercialism

Alfred Hitchcock's 1966 thriller 'Torn Curtain' provides another fascinating glimpse into the film industry, this time focusing on the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success. At the heart of this story lies the partnership between Hitchcock and his longtime composer, Bernard Herrmann, and the unforeseen fallout that occurred when Universal demanded a more commercially viable score.

Hitchcock’s decade-long collaboration with Herrmann resulted in some of cinema's most memorable scores, including 'Vertigo', 'North by Northwest', and 'Psycho'. However, when Hitchcock started working with Universal, the studio began to notice a decline in box-office returns. Blaming this on Herrmann's music not being "catchy" enough, they proposed that he create a sumptuous, singable theme song for 'Torn Curtain'.

Herrmann, on the other hand, was a staunch proponent of artistic integrity. He famously said, 'You’re grateful enough to a doctor for making you well / You do not also expect him to make you rich.' This philosophy was the cornerstone of his work on 'Torn Curtain', where he created a score that was groundbreaking in its originality and complexity.

The irony of the situation is that despite Herrmann's vision, he was fired from the project. Hitchcock hired John Addison to compose a more commercial score, including a memorable theme song. However, Herrmann's original score was preserved and later released, showcasing the enduring legacy of his work.

This case underscores the balance between artistic integrity and commercial pressures in the film industry, highlighting the struggle between pursuing artistic excellence and pleasing the masses. It also demonstrates the lasting impact that a composer's vision can have on a film, even in the face of adversity.

Lessons for Filmmakers and Composers

Both the stories of 'Casablanca' and 'Torn Curtain' offer valuable lessons for filmmakers and composers. 'Casablanca' teaches us about the importance of artistic integrity, while 'Torn Curtain' illustrates the power of artistic vision in the face of commercial demands. These stories remind us that, ultimately, it is the music and the vision behind it that can make or break a film's legacy.

As creators in the film industry, it's crucial to strike a balance between adhering to artistic standards and catering to the audiences. Embracing innovative and unique sounds, as Herrmann did, can lead to timeless classics. On the other hand, maintaining integrity in the name of art can sometimes mean facing difficult choices and challenging commercial norms.