In a groundbreaking exploration of horror, Zack Ryan recently discussed the captivating film “Presence,” directed by Steven Soderbergh, which uniquely presents a haunting story through the perspective of a ghost. This innovative approach blends the horror genre with a poignant family drama, highlighting the emotional complexities inherent in relationships. The film, which features a notable cast including Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Eddy Maday, and West Mulholland, delves into psychological territory that resonates with audiences beyond traditional fright tactics.
The story unfolds within a haunted house, focusing on the ghost’s emotional journey as it navigates its own identity and purpose. Ryan, who has collaborated with Soderbergh on multiple projects, including the series “Full Circle,” composed a subtle yet impactful score for “Presence.” His musical contributions serve to enhance the narrative without overshadowing it, aiming to create a relatable connection between the characters and the audience. Ryan’s score is primarily piano-led and orchestral, emphasizing the film’s emotional undercurrents.
During an interview with ScreenRant, Ryan shared that the concept of “Presence” affected his approach to scoring the film significantly. He expressed his initial excitement upon watching the movie without prior knowledge of its premise, which helped shape his instinctual reaction to the music. “I reacted the same way that the premiere audience at Sundance a year ago probably reacted,” Ryan stated. This organic experience informed his musical choices, allowing him to capture the emotional essence of the film.
One of the pivotal elements of Ryan’s score is its departure from conventional horror music tropes. Rather than ramping up tension or providing constant atmospheric cues typical of the genre, Ryan noted that Soderbergh’s visual storytelling was so precise that they did not need to push the audience towards fear. The screenplay by David Koepp further liberated the music from being a mere scare tool, allowing it to explore themes of family strife and emotional drama. “We were able to tackle the emotional side of the story and the family strife, the dysfunction, and the drama that’s happening,” Ryan explained.
Ryan’s focus on the emotional arc of the characters sheds light on Soderbergh’s unique directorial style. With the story told from the ghost’s perspective, Ryan had to consider various narrative factors while composing. “Perspective in film music is a decision,” he elaborated, explaining the importance of aligning the music with either the character’s inner experience or the audience’s emotional response. For much of the score, Ryan aimed to reflect the characters’ emotional progression rather than mimic the ghost’s experiences directly.
In discussing a pivotal twist towards the end of the film, Ryan recalled his surprise at the ghost’s reveal. He reflected on how the music underscored the emotional weight of that moment. The score bookends the film—opening with a solo piano piece that encapsulates solitude, and returning at the film’s conclusion with a full orchestral arrangement. “It was Steven’s idea, and it was an interesting lesson in musical context,” Ryan shared, emphasizing how the same piece of music can evoke differing emotions based on its placement in the narrative.
Ryan also highlighted the collaborative nature of working with Soderbergh, emphasizing how his directing approach differed from other directors he has worked with. “For the first time in my career, I really felt like the music was baked into the film as opposed to being laid on top of it,” he explained. Soderbergh’s role as director, editor, and cinematographer allowed for a more integrated creative process, enabling Ryan to deliver music that resonated organically with the film’s visual storytelling.
When comparing “Presence” to their earlier collaboration on “Full Circle,” Ryan acknowledged Soderbergh’s consistent preference for a traditional orchestral sound, yet noted key distinctions in instrumentation. “Full Circle was primarily a basic symphony orchestra setup,” he recalled, describing how the use of instruments like electric piano and varying ensembles helped to shape the distinct sound of “Presence.” This careful attention prevented the scores from sounding too similar while retaining a signature quality that characterizes Soderbergh’s cinematic voice.
The rapid production schedule of “Presence,” shot over just 11 days, posed additional challenges for Ryan. He admitted that the compressed timeline forced him to rely on his instincts to deliver the score effectively. Despite the constraints, the project went on to enjoy positive reception during its premier at Sundance, sparking excitement for its theatrical release.
Reflecting on the audience’s response, Ryan expressed his hopes that the film would resonate positively with general viewers, acknowledging the supportive environment of film festivals. His appreciation of the film’s potential impact on audiences demonstrates his deep engagement with the material. “I hope people are liking it. It seems like there’s some positive writing that’s been out there about the film,” Ryan remarked.
As “Presence” continues to unfold its emotional narrative, the synthesis of Steven Soderbergh’s direction and Zack Ryan’s evocative score promises to establish new benchmarks for the horror genre, showcasing how deep emotional connections can underpin even the most chilling tales. With its unique perspective and focus on character-driven storytelling, “Presence” stands as a testament to the innovative storytelling techniques employed by Soderbergh and his collaborators.
Fans of Soderbergh and Ryan alike eagerly await the potential future collaborations and projects, as their partnership evolves to explore new creative avenues in film composition and storytelling. With “Presence” now in theaters, audiences are encouraged to immerse themselves in this emotionally rich narrative that transcends the typical boundaries of horror filmmaking.
