‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Composer Scored Movie With Wind-Up Toys

Entertainment Gossip and News: Uncovering the Magic Behind "Captain America: Brave New World"

The world of Marvel continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling projects, and one of the most anticipated films of recent times, "Captain America: Brave New World," has been making waves not just for its action-packed sequences and compelling storyline but also for its unique and unconventional score. Laura Karpman, the Oscar-nominated composer behind the film’s soundtrack, recently opened up about her creative process and how she infused the movie with a fresh, yet nostalgic sound. Known for her work on Marvel projects like "The Marvels," "Ms. Marvel," and "What If…?," Karpman has once again proven her versatility by pushing the boundaries of traditional superhero scores. This time, she took inspiration from 20th-century thrillers and even incorporated unexpected elements like wind-up toys and fuzzy radio static to create a truly unforgettable musical experience.

Breaking Down the Score: Laura Karpman’s Unconventional Approach

Laura Karpman’s approach to scoring "Captain America: Brave New World" was anything but ordinary. In an exclusive interview, she revealed that she wanted to challenge herself by experimenting with unconventional sounds to reflect the film’s unique tone. One of the most intriguing aspects of her work was the theme she composed for Tim Blake Nelson’s character, Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader. To capture Sterns’ ability to manipulate sound to control others, Karpman incorporated a variety of quirky sounds, including wind-up toys. She also used fuzzy radio static from her mother’s vintage 1970s analog radio to emphasize Sterns’ sinister and mind-controlling nature. This blend of modern orchestration with unconventional elements not only gave the character depth but also added a layer of intrigue to the film’s overall sound design.

A Nod to Classic Thrillers and a Modern Twist

Karpman’s inspiration for the score didn’t stop at experimental sounds. She drew heavily from classic thrillers of the 20th century, such as Alfred Hitchcock’s "North by Northwest" (1959) and John Frankenheimer’s "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962). These films, known for their tense atmospheres and suspenseful music, influenced her approach to creating a gripping soundtrack. She also mentioned that the film’s theme for the heroes—Steve Rogers (Captain America), Sam Wilson (Falcon), and Isaiah Bradley—was inspired by the iconic "Mission: Impossible" theme. Director Julius Onah specifically requested this nod, wanting the theme to evoke a sense of urgency and high-stakes action. This blend of classic and modern elements ensures that the score feels both familiar and fresh, resonating with fans of both superhero films and timeless thrillers.

The Southern Roots of Sam Wilson and the film’s identity

One of the most unique aspects of Karpman’s score for "Captain America: Brave New World" is its connection to the Southern roots of Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie. Since both Wilson and Mackie grew up in Louisiana, Karpman wanted to infuse the music with the vibrant energy of New Orleans. She began by exploring "New Orleans-style drumline percussion," a choice that not only added a local flavor but also inadvertently influenced the conspiracy-themed music in the film. Karpman recalls how the tight, driving rhythm of the drumlines gave her a "tight, wound-up feeling," perfect for capturing the tension and suspense of the plot. This thoughtful attention to detail isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about grounding the film in the culture and identity of its characters, making the story more relatable and impactful for the audience.

The Significance of Sound in the Film’s Plot

The role of sound in "Captain America: Brave New World" isn’t just limited to the score. It also plays a crucial role in the plot, particularly in the character of Samuel Sterns. In the film, Sterns uses a 1958 hit song, "Mr. Blue" by The Fleetwoods, to mentally program his victims, including Isaiah Bradley, to act as his assassins. This song carries a deeper connection, as it was first referenced in 2008’s "The Incredible Hulk," where it served as a codename between Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) and Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson). By revisiting this musical motif, the film pays homage to its predecessors while also heightening the sense of unease and nostalgia. Karpman’s decision to incorporate fuzzy radio static into Sterns’ theme further enhance