Saved events

Watchlist: Curators' Picks for International Space Day

still from ET
1 May 2020

To mark International Space Day, we asked our cinema curators to pick their favourite space-themed films with incredible music scores.

It wasn’t an easy task given how many amazing sci-fi films there are out there – but they delivered, with a mix of brilliantly wacky and iconic choices...

 

Alex Davidson's sci fi / score pick: Fantastic Planet (1973), score by Alain Goraguer

Alain Goraguer created a suitably psychedelic jazz score for this wonderfully bizarre animation from 1973 – set on the planet of Ygam, where the enslaved humanoid Oms struggle against the oppression of the gigantic Draags. Simultaneously funky and otherworldly, the score has been used by hip-hop artists and is the perfect accompaniment to this unique film. Watch the trailer.

 

Tamara Anderson’s sci fi / score pick: Solaris (1972), score by Eduard Artemyev

Who can forget the solemn yet beautiful moment in Solaris when the camera pans over the details of a reproduction of Brueghel’s Hunters in the Snow hanging in the spaceship’s library, and Kris and Hari – sitting nearby, embracing – begin to float. Plus, Bach's chorale prelude for organ makes for a stunning soundtrack. Watch the trailer.

 

Sonia Zadurian's sci fi / score pick: Wall-E (2008), score by Thomas Newman

This sci-fi gem from Pixar is as beautiful in its exploration of galaxies unknown as its portrayal of a lonely robot who longs to be loved. Thomas Newman’s enchanting score does a huge amount of atmospheric and emotional heavy lifting, particularly during Wall-E’s solitary time on earth, though the standout sequence may just be Wall-E and love-interest Eve’s magical space dance. Watch the trailer.

 

Susie Evans' sci fi / score pick: ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), score by John Williams

Maestro John Williams knocked it out of the park with one of his most memorable scores in this classic Spielberg tear-jerker. The moment when Elliot and E.T. fly-cycle across the moon, accompanied by Williams’ lush orchestral score is one of those big screen heart-stoppers that has viewers catching their breath every time. Watch the trailer.

Please consider donating

We rely on the money we raise through ticket sales, commercial activities and fundraising to deliver our arts and learning programme. It forms more than 60% of our income. Show your support by making a donation and help inspire more people to discover and love the arts.