Daniel Pemberton’s score for “Fly Me to the Moon” is a masterful blend of a cool 1960s vibe, an old-fashioned love theme, and dramatic music that captures the essence of a lunar landing. The film, directed by Greg Berlanti, stars Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Jones, a Madison Avenue marketing genius tasked with selling the moon to the American public, and Channing Tatum as Cole, the NASA director overseeing the Apollo 11 launch. This unique premise allowed Pemberton to weave together various musical strands, from the fun and romantic elements to the nostalgic Americana associated with NASA.
Pemberton, known for his work on “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” aimed to evoke a sense of beautiful, melancholic nostalgia for a time that now feels distant in America. One of his favorite pieces in the film accompanies the Apollo 11 takeoff, capturing a sense of wonder and loss for a bygone era. The story is set during a powerful moment in history when everyone was united in achieving something monumental for humanity.
The score combines traditional orchestral sounds with vintage synthesizers and a jazz combo to create a distinct ’60s sound. Instruments like the Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3 keyboards, along with bongos, electric guitars, and bass, contribute to this unique musical landscape. The synthesizers often represent the technology of the NASA control center, while the epic orchestral elements underscore the grandeur of the NASA launch. Pemberton describes the score as a love letter to the ’60s, capturing the spirit of the time.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Pemberton’s score is the theme for Moe Berkus, played by Woody Harrelson. Berkus is a mysterious White House emissary who devises a plan to shoot a fake moon-landing sequence in case the real one fails. Pemberton crafted a light jazz theme to capture Berkus’s playful and tricky nature. The romantic theme for Kelly and Cole, which plays during their flight from Florida to Louisiana in Cole’s private plane, is lush and filled with strings, creating a memorable and heartfelt melody.
Pemberton also incorporated the soprano saxophone into the score, particularly in the track “For All Mankind.” The instrument represents the freedom of space travel, evoking an emotional and spiritual tone. Augmenting Pemberton’s score are several 1960s songs curated by music supervisor Season Kent, including Aretha Franklin’s unique rendition of Henry Mancini’s “Moon River.”
Pemberton’s work on “Fly Me to the Moon” is a testament to his ability to blend different musical elements to create a cohesive and evocative score. His use of traditional and vintage instruments, along with his thematic compositions, brings the film’s historical and emotional moments to life. The score not only enhances the narrative but also transports the audience back to a time of wonder and unity.
Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
