Bryce Dessner Discusses ‘Train Dreams’ Score: A Historical Mosaic of American Folk

Bryce Dessner's score for the film "Train Dreams’’ was released on October 20, 2023, representing a crucial collaboration with filmmakers Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar. This project marks another entry in Dessner’s ongoing exploration of the intersection between sound and storytelling, further solidifying his reputation in contemporary film scoring.

This isn’t Dessner’s first foray into film music. Previously, he worked on "The Revenant" (2015), where his contributions were recognized for their ability to heighten narrative tension and emotional depth. Dessner articulates that the score for "Train Dreams" needed to resonate with the complex historical aspects of American folk music, aiming to create a sense of timelessness.

Describing the score as both a reflection and a reinterpretation of American folk traditions, Dessner comments, "It needed to simmer and crackle with history, echoing the stories of those who traversed the American landscape." This approach aligns with his established pattern of integrating cultural elements into his compositions.

Industry sources suggest that the film's narrative, based on Denis Johnson's acclaimed novella published in 2006, shares thematic similarities with films like "The Revenant" and "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" (2018), which also delve into American landscapes and lore. Kwedar and Bentley’s collaboration on this project underscores a growing trend towards exploring Americana in contemporary cinema.

Dessner's previous collaborations with prominent directors, such as his work with the Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu, expansively inform his evolving sound design techniques. Sources say his method incorporates layers of instrumentation that draw on over 250 years of folk music history, allowing the listener to become immersed in the setting.

The score features instrumental elements that are not only organic but also innovative, mirroring Dessner's practices in other genres, such as his work with the band The National. Notably, his collaboration with visual artists has expanded the narrative capacity of his music, as seen in previous installations like “Music for Wood and Strings” (2021).

As we consider future projects, Dessner is set to score the upcoming film adaptation of “My Own Private Idaho” (scheduled for 2025), which promises another deep dive into American storytelling through sound. Such a trajectory indicates a consistent pattern of Dessner forging powerful connections between historical context and contemporary film.

With an ever-evolving portfolio, this latest score is expected to resonate well with both audiences and critics alike. Given the success of previous compositions, including nominations and awards, Dessner's work on "Train Dreams" is likely to enhance his stature within the film scoring landscape.