Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a 2020 American superhero film based on the DC Comics team Birds of Prey. It is the eighth film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and a spin-off sequel to Suicide Squad (2016). Birds of Prey was directed by Cathy Yan and written by Christina Hodson. The film stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli/Huntress, Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Dinah Lance/Black Canary, Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya, Chris Messina as Victor Zsasz, Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis/Black Mask, and Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain.
The music for Birds of Prey was composed by Daniel Pemberton. Pemberton is a British composer known for his film and TV scores including Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Yesterday, and The Man in the High Castle. For Birds of Prey, Pemberton created a dynamic, guitar-driven score to match the film’s frenetic tone and highlight the chaotic, rock-and-roll energy of Harley Quinn. He blended orchestra, synthesizers, and electric guitars to capture the many moods of the movie from the fun and funny to the dark and dangerous. Overall, Pemberton’s music adds to the distinct style and attitude of Birds of Prey.
Daniel Pemberton’s Approach to the Birds of Prey Score
In interviews, Daniel Pemberton discussed his ideas and process for scoring Birds of Prey:
– He wanted to reflect Margot Robbie’s vision for the movie and her characterization of Harley Quinn. The music aims to channel her “mad energy”.
– The score mixes organic and synthetic sounds. Pemberton said this combination mirrors the dual sides of Harley – the human and the “cartoonish”.
– Electric guitars are featured prominently to capture Harley’s punk rock spirit. The guitars evoke a rebellious, anarchic tone.
– The orchestra grounds the zaniness with emotional strings and brass. Pemberton said this adds a touch of class and humanity.
– The music transitions smoothly between funny and brutal moments. Pemberton wanted the score to be versatile and chameleon-like.
– Certain themes or motifs represent the other Birds of Prey members, in addition to Harley Quinn’s material.
– The placement of songs in key scenes was very strategic. The song choices amplify the characters and story.
Key Themes and Motifs in the Score
Pemberton incorporated distinct musical ideas, tones, and instruments to highlight elements of the story and characters:
– Harley Quinn’s Theme – Frenzied electric guitar riffs and manic violin lines capture her wild, unhinged energy.
– Birds of Prey Theme – Triumphant brass melodies represent the team coming together.
– Helena’s Theme – Dark, melancholy strings and woodwinds evoke her tragic backstory.
– Dinah’s Theme – Bluesy riffs on brass and gritty guitar reflect her bold, defiant attitude.
– Sionis’ Theme – Dissonant strings and low percussion convey his menacing presence.
Notable Songs Featured in Birds of Prey
In addition to the original score, Birds of Prey contains several high-profile song placements:
“Diamonds” by Megan Thee Stallion & Normani – Heard during the end credits. The lyrics about reclaiming power after a breakup parallel Harley moving on from Joker.
“Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat – Plays during the police evidence room scene. The bold, swaggering anthem suits Harley’s domineering personality.
“Sway With Me” by Saweetie & GALXARA – Features in the Black Mask Club scene. The song’s dark, hypnotic vibe fits the sinister club environment.
“Experiment On Me” by Halsey – Uses a creepy rendition over the movie’s opening titles. It sets an ominous, off-kilter tone.
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar – Harley oversees an ice cream truck robbery while singing along to this rock classic.
Daniel Pemberton’s Career and Background
Before scoring Birds of Prey, Daniel Pemberton already had an acclaimed career writing music for films and television:
– Born in London in 1977. Began composing at age 10 after being inspired by his pianist grandfather.
– Got his big break in 2004 composing music for the British TV drama Second Sight.
– Went on to score popular British TV shows like Little Britain, The Catherine Tate Show, and Sherlock.
– Started working on major Hollywood films in 2010 with scores for Cemetery Junction and The Awakening.
– Earned acclaim for his innovative scores on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015), Steve Jobs (2015), and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).
– Has frequently collaborated with director Guy Ritchie on films like The Man from U.N.C.L.E., King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Aladdin, and Operation Fortune.
– Known for combining electronic and acoustic instrumentation in his film scores. Uses fresh, unusual combinations of instruments and styles.
Pemberton’s Awards and Nominations
Daniel Pemberton’s notable awards success includes:
– Nominated for 2 Academy Awards: Best Original Song for “Believe” from The Mitchells vs. The Machines and Best Original Score for Motherless Brooklyn.
– Won an Emmy Award in 2017 for the score of The Crown.
– Received 2 Grammy nominations for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
– Won an Ivor Novello award for Film Composer of the Year in 2020.
Critical Response to the Birds of Prey Score
Daniel Pemberton’s music for Birds of Prey garnered positive reviews from professional critics:
Publication | Excerpt from Review |
---|---|
Variety | “Daniel Pemberton’s score grounds the chaos with an energizing blast of nimble orchestral rock.” |
IndieWire | “Pemberton matches the film’s frenzied pace with addictively stylized cues.” |
Film Music Magazine | “Shifts easily from punk-amplified crime jazz to emotive, even operatic vengeance.” |
Hollywood Reporter | “Daniel Pemberton’s terrific original score mixes rock and classical instrumentation.” |
The reviews praised Pemberton’s ability to capture the movie’s manic tone through the integration of guitars and orchestra. His versatile score complements the colorful characters, kinetic action, and mood swings between comedy and drama. Overall, critics viewed the music as a standout element that enhances the distinct style of Birds of Prey.
Conclusion
British composer Daniel Pemberton created the vibrant, eccentric music for Birds of Prey. His original score combines guitars, synthesizers, and orchestra to mirror the film’s rock-and-roll sensibilities and highlight the anarchic energy of Harley Quinn. Strategic song placements also amplify character and story. Reviews reacted positively to Pemberton’s musical choices and how the score complements the movie’s unique comic book flavor. For Birds of Prey, Daniel Pemberton delivered a soundtrack as wild, unpredictable, and fabulously emancipated as Harley Quinn herself.