Schubert’s music in Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Favourite serves as a deliberate and complex counterpoint to the film’s opulence and intrigue, subtly undermining the grandeur of the court while reflecting the characters’ hidden vulnerabilities and emotional turmoil. His compositions, primarily piano trios and sonatas, are not merely decorative; they function as a poignant commentary on the power dynamics, suppressed desires, and underlying melancholy that permeate Queen Anne’s reign.
A Symphony of Subversion: The Role of Schubert
The use of Schubert in The Favourite, a film steeped in 18th-century artifice, might initially seem anachronistic. However, this very anachronism is the key to understanding Lanthimos’s choice. Schubert, writing in the early 19th century, brings with him a sensibility that foreshadows the Romantic era’s focus on individual emotion, internal conflict, and the sublime. These themes resonate deeply with the film’s portrayal of Queen Anne, Sarah Churchill, and Abigail Masham, all of whom are trapped in a web of ambition, love, and loss.
Lanthimos avoids the bombastic and overtly dramatic music often associated with period pieces, opting instead for Schubert’s more introspective and subtly melancholic works. The music underscores the fragility beneath the surface of the court’s lavish displays, highlighting the emotional isolation experienced by the protagonists. The simultaneous presence of outward splendor and inward despair creates a powerful tension, reflecting the core themes of the film. Schubert’s music becomes a mirror reflecting the characters’ unspoken anxieties and suppressed yearnings, providing a richer, more nuanced understanding of their motivations and inner lives. It elevates the film beyond a mere historical drama, transforming it into a poignant exploration of the human condition.
Unpacking the Musical Motifs
The specific pieces chosen are also significant. The piano trios, for example, create a sense of intimacy, almost voyeuristic, as we observe the intricate relationships between the three central characters. The sparse arrangements allow for moments of profound emotional connection, as well as moments of tense silence, further emphasizing the power dynamics at play. Schubert’s characteristic lyricism, often tinged with a sense of longing, serves as a counterpoint to the often-cruel actions of the characters, reminding us of their underlying humanity.
The choice to use Schubert, a composer associated with the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era, further underscores the film’s themes of change and uncertainty. Queen Anne’s reign was a period of significant political and social upheaval, and Schubert’s music reflects this sense of impending transformation. It’s not simply about evoking a specific period; it’s about capturing a feeling of transition, of old orders crumbling and new possibilities emerging – often fraught with peril and pain.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Schubert’s Presence
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the significance of Schubert’s music in The Favourite:
1. Isn’t Schubert chronologically out of place in a film set in the early 18th century?
Yes, Schubert was born in 1797. The deliberate use of his music, therefore, is not about historical accuracy but rather about thematic resonance. Lanthimos employs Schubert to create a particular mood and to highlight specific emotional undercurrents that transcend the constraints of historical realism. It’s an artistic choice to underscore the film’s themes.
2. Why not use Baroque composers like Bach or Handel, who were contemporaries of Queen Anne?
Baroque music, with its emphasis on grandeur and ornamentation, might have reinforced the superficial opulence of the court. Lanthimos deliberately chose Schubert for his subtlety, emotional depth, and introspective quality. Using Baroque music could have created a more conventional “period piece” feel, which Lanthimos consciously avoids.
3. What specific Schubert pieces are featured in the film, and why were they chosen?
While a definitive list isn’t always explicitly stated in film credits, Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 100, D. 929 is prominently featured. The choice likely stems from its melancholic yet hopeful melody and its ability to evoke a sense of both intimacy and grandiosity. The selection likely included other piano sonatas and trios, chosen for their similar tonal qualities and emotional impact. The specific reasons for each piece would have been determined by its ability to complement the specific scene and contribute to the overall narrative.
4. How does Schubert’s music contribute to the portrayal of Queen Anne?
Schubert’s music amplifies Queen Anne’s vulnerability and emotional fragility. It underscores her loneliness and the emotional manipulation she endures. The music serves as an auditory window into her inner world, revealing the pain and insecurity hidden beneath her royal facade.
5. Does the music change depending on which character is the focus of the scene?
While not explicitly tailored to each character in a scene-by-scene manner, the music’s intensity and emotional weight often shift to reflect the prevailing mood and the dominant character’s emotional state. Scenes depicting Sarah Churchill’s calculated ambition might feature music with a more restrained and controlled tone, while scenes focusing on Abigail’s vulnerability might be accompanied by more emotionally raw and poignant melodies.
6. How does the absence of diegetic (on-screen) music contribute to the effect of the Schubert pieces?
The deliberate lack of diegetic music heightens the impact of the non-diegetic Schubert score. By not hearing harpsichords or other period-appropriate instruments playing within the scenes, the audience is drawn more deeply into the characters’ inner emotional landscapes, which are revealed through the Schubert pieces. The score becomes an expression of their unspoken feelings.
7. Is Schubert’s music used ironically in any scenes?
Yes, in some scenes the beauty of Schubert’s music contrasts sharply with the characters’ morally questionable actions, creating a sense of ironic dissonance. This contrast underscores the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity that pervade the court.
8. How does the sound design of the film, besides the Schubert, contribute to the overall atmosphere?
The sound design, including the absence of wall-to-wall music and the use of natural sounds, amplifies the impact of the Schubert pieces. The quiet moments allow the music to resonate more powerfully, drawing the audience’s attention to the emotional subtext of the scenes.
9. How does the use of Schubert compare to other historical dramas in terms of musical choices?
Many historical dramas rely on more traditional and expected musical scores. Lanthimos’s choice to use Schubert is a bold and unconventional decision that sets The Favourite apart and contributes to its unique artistic vision.
10. Could another composer have been used effectively in place of Schubert? If so, who and why?
While other composers could have been considered, Schubert’s specific blend of Classical structure and Romantic sensibility makes him particularly well-suited for the film’s themes. Perhaps someone like Mozart, whose music also possesses a melancholic undercurrent, could have been a viable alternative, but Schubert’s specific emotional register aligns more closely with the film’s overall tone.
11. What does the use of Schubert say about Lanthimos’s approach to filmmaking?
The choice reflects Lanthimos’s tendency to subvert expectations and to create films that are both visually stunning and intellectually challenging. He is not afraid to break conventions and to use unconventional artistic choices to enhance the storytelling.
12. How can audiences further explore the music used in The Favourite to enhance their appreciation of the film?
Listening to Schubert’s piano trios, sonatas, and lieder (songs) will provide a deeper understanding of the composer’s style and emotional range. Paying attention to the dynamics, tempo, and instrumentation in the film’s soundtrack can further illuminate how the music contributes to the overall narrative. Reading about Schubert’s life and the historical context in which he composed can also enrich one’s understanding of the music’s significance.