This afternoon, a December release date was announced for Sam Mendes’ “Empire of Light.” Although not yet official, I’m reading the score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross instead of Thomas Newman, as it was initially reported.
Reznor/Ross have been one of the most sought-out film composers of the last decade, having created the scores for “The Social Network”, “Gone Girl”, Pixar’s “Soul.” They are also scoring another upcoming fall title, Luca Guadagnino’s “Bones and All.”
“Empire of Light” has Olivia Colman playing a lonely theatre manager, who runs the Empire theatre, suffering from schizophrenia. Colin Firth cameos as the owner of the theatre who takes advantage of Colman's character sexually and emotionally. Michael Ward is the new young employee that starts working there. Colman's character shows him the ropes, and the day to day tasks. They eventually embark on a romantic relationship.
The film test-screened earlier this week to mostly positive feedback. Olivia Colman is said to have the film’s best Oscar chances, whereas DP Roger Deakins’ cinematography is said to be subdued and not that showy.