Ludwig Goransson does not look like a typical Hollywood composer, which is fitting because there is nothing typical about his work. The Swedish-born musician, who has won Academy Awards for his scores to Black Panther and Oppenheimer, discusses his unconventional approach to film music and the creative partnerships that have shaped his career.
Finding the Sound
“Every film has its own sound,” Goransson explains. “My job is to find it. Sometimes that means traveling to a country and recording local musicians. Sometimes it means experimenting with electronic synthesizers in my studio. Sometimes it means a full orchestra. The film tells me what it needs, and I follow.”
For Black Panther, Goransson traveled to Senegal and South Africa to record with local musicians, integrating traditional African instruments and rhythmic patterns into a score that felt both ancient and futuristic. For Oppenheimer, he created a score of almost unbearable tension using strings, electronics, and silence. Each approach was entirely unique to the film it served.
Collaboration With Directors
Goransson’s most important creative relationship is with filmmaker Ryan Coogler, whom he met at the University of Southern California film school. “Ryan and I speak the same creative language,” he says. “We grew up together as artists. He trusts me to take risks, and I trust his instincts completely.”
He also speaks warmly about his collaboration with Christopher Nolan on Oppenheimer. “Chris pushed me further than I had ever been pushed. He wanted a score that would make the audience feel the weight of what these scientists were doing. That required going to some very intense places musically.”
Beyond Film
Goransson’s work extends beyond film scoring. He has produced Grammy-winning albums for Childish Gambino and composed music for television and video games. He sees these different mediums as complementary rather than competing.
“Music is music,” he says simply. “Whether I am writing a theme for a superhero or producing a hip-hop record, the fundamental challenge is the same: create something that connects with people emotionally. The context changes, but the goal does not.”
