The Mind-Blowing Musical Twist that Takes Extraction 2's Story to Another Level
Unveiling the Intriguing Soundscape of Extraction 2: A captivating exploration by Alex Belcher on the mesmerizing music that elevated the authenticity of the film's exhilarating fight sequences
Extraction 2, according to many, surpasses the original as a rare sequel that outshines its predecessor. Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as Tyler Rake, accompanied by director Sam Hargrave and producers Joe and Anthony Russo. Joe Russo even co-wrote the screenplay for the film. Additionally, co-composers Alex Belcher and Henry Jackman, who contributed fresh elements to the franchise's unique musical landscape, return from the first Extraction.
The music within Extraction stands out due to Belcher and Jackman's inventive use of unconventional instruments and techniques. They incorporated broken metal percussion instruments, played the cello with the opposite hand, and more to create a sound that captures the essence of the film's characters. In Extraction 2, Belcher and Jackman continue to explore these innovative approaches, taking advantage of new characters to introduce fresh musical opportunities. Alex Belcher recently discussed his method of composing music for one of the movie's primary antagonists, Zurab, portrayed by Tornike Gogrichiani. He also revealed the subtle musical details that flawlessly complement the story.
Alex Belcher: In regards to Zurab, our antagonist in this story, he found solace in tasting wine from different glasses. While not entirely unconventional, his fascination stemmed from his hearing disability. Sam constantly posed the question, "What kind of sounds might he perceive in his mind?" As I contemplated this, I considered the idea of tinnitus. It was then that we decided to experiment with wine glasses, specifically using Georgian wine, as a nod to Zurab's origin and background.
How Extraction 2's Music Kept Its Fight Scenes Grounded
Like many other action movies, it's easy to overlook the amount of effort and planning that goes into more than just the stunts in Extraction 2. Alex Belcher's thoughtful approach in developing the character of Zurab is eye-opening, but it only captures a fraction of the extensive work involved in creating a film of this magnitude. The same level of dedication was devoted to ensuring that the emotional storyline of Extraction 2 seamlessly transitioned into its action-packed sequences, as Belcher further disclosed.
The harmony in the action components, such as the chords used, may not conform to traditional expectations of toughness or masculinity. There is an inherent emotional quality in the action, which helps maintain a sense of vulnerability in the character of Rake. Despite the presence of impressive percussion, unconventional instruments, and sampled cellos, we purposefully included elements in the composition that serve as a reminder of Rake's humanity and his tragic background. As we delve deeper into his story, the contrast between the emotionally driven moments accompanied by a simple piano and strings and the previously heard intense soundscape is not jarring.
The initial Extraction film proved to be one of Netflix's most successful original action titles, while Extraction 2 became the platform's top film upon its release. With Extraction 3 already confirmed, it is certain that Sam Hargrave and the Russo brothers are already brainstorming ways to surpass the other films in the series. It is likely that Alex Belcher and Henry Jackman, who greatly expanded the musical range of Extraction 2, will also return for the third installment, further enhancing the franchise's sonic landscape.
