Bones is a short film, directed by Wesley Brown, about the legendary tennis player, Arthur Ashe. Given the nickname Bones because of his thin frame, Arthur won three Grand Slam titles and was the first black player chosen to join the United States Davis Cup team. He is remembered for being a champion, but he is also remembered for consistently displaying exceptional sportsmanship (due to the coaching methods of R. Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson), which included showing respect for his opponents, taking pride in his appearance, and never cheating. Off the court, Arthur Ashe used his fame to fight apartheid in South Africa and set up programs and foundations to help underprivileged children have access to tennis and education. While doing research for this film, I was overwhelmed with respect for Arthur’s life, legacy, and character. He was not only an exceptional athlete but also a man of integrity and thus the score for Bones needed to evoke feelings of determination, honor, and triumph.
The film takes place during the beginning of his career, in the late 1950s, when he is still learning about what it takes to be a champion. With the help of his trusted coach, Arthur discovers that perseverance and mental fortitude are his greatest allies in helping him achieve success both on and off the court.
The score is made up entirely of piano and a small string section. I thought this ensemble was fitting because, like Arthur Ashe, it is a classic, tried-and-true combination. The sound also generally transcends any particular time period or place, so it was an appropriate soundscape for 1950s Richmond, Virginia. The pinnacle point of the film takes place during a heated tennis match between Bones and fellow tennis champion Charlie Pasarell. I used a fast spiccato string ostinato as the driving force that propels the scene, symbolic of the players’ accelerated heart rates while battling for every point. Long, anchoring piano notes played in low octaves accompanied the ostinato to communicate the finality of the outcome of the game. An ascending legato string line was added to enhance the rising tension and overwhelming emotions associated with putting everything you have into something at the risk of failure.
It was an honor to write the music for this film and be able to take part in telling the story of a legend who is worthy of admiration, not only for his relentless dedication to his craft but for the principles he stood for.
Update 11/3/18: I am very pleased to announce that Bones won Best Short (Grand Prize) at the London Short Series Festival.