‘The Wild Robot’ Composer Kris Bowers Breaks Down How He Created a Score That Made Us All Cry

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As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I found myself amongst an intimate group of five, lucky enough to be in the studio with the talented Kris Bowers during the recording of EbMaster’s Behind the Song. By the time he had walked us through his heartfelt composition, “I Could Use a Boost,” not a single eye remained dry in that room. It was a powerful demonstration of the profound emotional impact his score held, one that resonated just as deeply with audiences across the globe.

DreamWorks’ “The Wild Robot” achieved widespread acclaim, largely due to its heartfelt storyline and an impactful soundtrack that deeply touched viewers. The song “I Could Use a Boost” particularly highlighted one of the film’s most moving scenes, encapsulating feelings of love, sorrow, and development. When discussing his original approach to the film’s music, Bowers revealed how closely tied the project was to him. “At the time I received the call about this film, my daughter was just six months old,” he said. “So, I ended up reading the book mostly to her.” The themes of parental love and letting go struck a chord with Bowers, influencing his musical approach from the beginning.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself drawn to scenes that stirred deep, gut-level emotions when I was working on the composition. One such scene resonated with me deeply and instantly evoked an emotional response. It’s as if I were sending my child off to college for the first time – the sequence carries a similar bittersweet feeling of letting go and anticipation.

Bowers’ method of creating music was through spontaneous playing at the piano, expressing his personal emotions as a parent. He confided, “I contemplated my potential shortcomings [towards my daughter] and moments where I might not meet her expectations despite my efforts.” These thoughts found expression in the movie’s sensitive yet poignant soundtrack. Director Chris Sanders emphasized the intensity of this scene, referring to it as “the most emotionally intricate moment in the film.” This sequence portrays Roz readying Brightbill for his solo journey, a separation marked by silent love and farewells.

At first, Bowers was drafting his ideas into black-and-white storyboards. Later, following Sanders’ guidance, he chose to work independently, as he put it, “Chris advised me to write separately from the visuals.” This is quite unusual, and he found this approach incredibly liberating.

Bowers clarified that the composition predominantly features real instruments, with approximately 100 pieces in all when you include the choir. Intriguingly, the choir, a seldom seen yet impactful element in the symphony, was carefully employed. “I aimed to be as deliberate as possible regarding when we incorporate the voice,” Bowers explained. “If we’re expressing the transformation of this robot into something more human-like, then that sound should be used sparingly.” The choice to make the choir wordless enhanced the universality of the emotion, detaching it from any specific location or language.

The poignant melody touched a chord in Bowers as he played it for his wife and child. Seeing his wife weep, he explained, and then his daughter questioned, “Are you crying because the baby bird left its mother?” In that instant, Bowers grasped the profound effect of the music, understanding how strongly it stirred emotions not only within him, but also in those closest to his heart.

Essentially, “I Could Use a Boost” shines as an orchestral grandeur mirroring the essential motifs in “The Wild Robot.” In the climactic moments, Bowers skillfully weaves melodies and beats, culminating in a poignant, tear-jerking finale. As he explained, the melody becomes more intense, emphasizing the feeling of time running out. It’s an emotionally charged, artfully constructed composition that immerses listeners in the same emotional rollercoaster as Roz and Brightbill – one filled with love, goodbyes, and unavoidable transformation.

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2025-02-07 20:17