Finneas: The Oscar-Winning Composer Behind "Disclaimer"
Oscar-winning composer and acclaimed songwriter Finneas is making waves in the world of television music with his latest project, Apple TV+’s limited series "Disclaimer." Known for his incredible work alongside his sister, Billie Eilish, Finneas has garnered numerous accolades, including Oscars for "No Time to Die" from the James Bond film and "What Was I Made For?" from the 2024 hit "Barbie." With a successful solo career and multiple Grammy wins, Finneas is a versatile songwriter, but his venture into scoring for TV marks a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Directed by the visionary Alfonso Cuarón, "Disclaimer" called for a unique musical approach that challenged Finneas in exciting ways. Although he had never composed for television before, Cuarón, a fan of his work, saw potential in Finneas to bring something fresh to the series. The creative process began during filming but truly flourished in post-production. "He sent me a bunch of music references that he loved, primarily string quartets," Finneas recalls. Faced with the challenge of writing for a string quartet, he embraced the opportunity to learn something new.
The seven-part series stars a powerhouse cast, including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. It follows the story of journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (played by Blanchett), who has built her reputation on exposing others’ misdeeds. Her world turns upside down when she receives a novel from an anonymous author, revealing her own darkest secrets as the story’s protagonist.
To bring his musical vision to life, Finneas collaborated with composer David Campbell, who assisted in notating and orchestrating his ideas since Finneas wasn’t familiar with writing sheet music. Campbell introduced the renowned Attacca Quartet, which aligned perfectly with Cuarón’s appreciation for string ensembles.
In crafting the score, Finneas took inspiration from Cuarón’s previous films, such as "Roma" and "Y Tu Mama Tambien," which often employed a more minimalist approach. "Less is more" became the guiding principle for the score, with music strategically placed to enhance key emotional moments. For instance, a dramatic montage scene featuring a water rescue required a rhythmic momentum, while quieter moments served as an inner monologue for the characters.
Episode 7 is particularly poignant, revealing a traumatic secret from Catherine’s past involving Jonathan, a young man she once saved. Cuarón provided Finneas with a haunting piece of music for this critical scene, emphasizing the devastating realization that Catherine’s narrative was built on a false premise. This moment prompted a shift in the musical landscape, altering the previously whimsical themes into something more somber.
Finneas also crafted distinctive themes for various characters, including a cello motif for Catherine and a family suite that reflects her son Nicholas’s (Smit-McPhee) love for rap, contrasting with the overall soundscape. The synthesis of genres creates a unique auditory experience, blending traditional strings with modern synths, particularly in themes associated with her husband, Robert (Baron Cohen).
Reflecting on his experience, Finneas found joy in the non-linear nature of scoring for television. "I would jump between cues from Episode 6 and Episode 2, which was really satisfying," he shared. "If I were to score more television in the future, I would love to continue working this way."
As Finneas expands his artistic horizons, his work on "Disclaimer" not only showcases his versatility but also solidifies his place as a pioneering composer in both film and television. Keep an eye on this talented musician as he continues to redefine the boundaries of music in storytelling.
