Composer Tiit Kikas on the film 'Säärane mulk': we did not want to make comedic music
Composer Tiit Kikas discusses his work on the film 'Säärane mulk' and the creative choices made to pair serious music with a comedic visual theme.
In a recent interview, composer Tiit Kikas shared insights into his role in the film 'Säärane mulk', explaining that he aimed to create serious music that enhances the film's comedic elements rather than contributing to a purely comedic soundtrack. Kikas highlighted the unique opportunity he had to start working on the film's music before the filming commenced, which he considered a significant privilege, as many composers in Estonia usually join the project later when the material is more developed. By working closely with director Ergo Kull from the outset, Kikas was able to establish a shared vision for the musical direction of the film.
Kikas noted that creating music in response to an already existing visual narrative can be both a structured process and a restrictive one, depending on how much guidance the visuals provide. He expressed the sentiment that reading the initial screenplay and composing music that aligns with it offers a level of creative freedom that is often advantageous for musicians. His collaboration with Kull was characterized by mutual agreement from the start on the balance between humor and musical depth, ensuring that the score reflects the film's playful tone while still being poignant.
Overall, Kikas’s discussion reveals a thoughtful approach to film scoring, where the intention to avoid comedic music demonstrates a deeper artistic ambition to enrich the storytelling with serious compositions. Such decisions not only reflect the film's artistic direction but also highlight the creative processes involved in crafting a unique auditory experience that complements and elevates the visual storytelling.