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Live Soundtracks: Jenkin Reimagines Cinema
31 Oct
Summary
- Director Mark Jenkin performs live, improvised soundtracks for his film.
- The 'Rose of Nevada' film features a mysterious returning trawler.
- Jenkin's innovative approach revives silent film era performance styles.
Filmmaker Mark Jenkin is bringing a novel, live element to cinema with his new film, "Rose of Nevada." Jenkin and his musical partner Dion Star perform improvised soundtracks during screenings, utilizing tape machines, synths, guitars, and field recordings.
This dynamic approach allows them to react to the film and the audience's emotions in real-time. Jenkin described the process as a "wild animal," with each performance being unique and never exactly the same as the film's original score.
Jenkin sees this as a return to cinema's roots, reminiscent of the live pianists who accompanied silent films. The film itself, "Rose of Nevada," tells the story of a mysteriously returning fishing trawler and was filmed in Cornwall.
Jenkin, known for his Bafta-winning film "Bait," has previously worked on films like "Enys Men." "Rose of Nevada" premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in 2025.
Critics like Mark Kermode and personalities such as Jarvis Cocker have lauded Jenkin's creative method for adding significant depth to the cinematic experience.
