Chris Bacon Shares Tim Burton’s First Piece of Advice for Scoring ‘Wednesday’ – Sound & Screen TV
Director Tim Burton’s Vision Shapes Season 2 of Wednesday
In a recent discussion about the musical direction of Wednesday, composer Chris Bacon shared insights from director Tim Burton, stating, “One of the very first things that Tim said when we started was ‘don’t make this funny’.” This guidance has significantly influenced the tone and style of the series, which has gained widespread attention, notably for its Oscar-nominated artistic direction.
As Season 2 unfolds, the storyline presents a myriad of challenges for Ortega’s character, Wednesday Addams. She confronts a corrupt principal portrayed by Steve Buscemi, navigates a tumultuous relationship with her boyfriend, develops a deeper bond with her mother Morticia, and even experiences death and resurrection.
Reflecting on the evolution of the series, Bacon remarked, “Season 2 was a chance to take what we started in Season 1 and create this language that was quirky but also not too quirky that felt like it could have existed at any time.” He emphasized that while Wednesday operates in a modern context, “the Addams Family doesn’t exist in time.”
The composer elaborated on the series’ musical identity, asserting that it offers a unique opportunity to delve into themes without reservation. He described the sweeping cinematic score enriched by French horns, particularly during a pivotal scene where Enid (Emma Myers) transforms into a werewolf to save Wednesday. “It was a chance to do more and be unabashedly thematic,” Bacon said.
Bacon acknowledged the importance of the harpsichord, an instrument integral to the original 1964 Addams Family theme. He humorously quipped about his past distaste for the instrument, yet recognized its vital role in preserving the Addams family’s timeless appeal. “It’s a great sound to throw in to remind us that we’re there,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Season 3 of Wednesday began production in Ireland at the end of February. The cast is expanding, with new additions including Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer, and Winona Ryder. A recently released image hinted at the story’s forthcoming adventures, with action moving to Paris.
When asked about the soundscape for the upcoming season, Bacon simply noted, “Music is being made.”
Fans eager for more can anticipate further insights, with a panel video expected to be released on Monday.
