Jonny Greenwood to score Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

This seems almost a no-brainer, but the brilliant combination of Paul Thomas Anderson and musician Jonny Greenwood will collaborate for the third time on the upcoming INHERENT VICE. This should be exciting for fans of either of these two, but an extra special treat for movie fans. The scores to both THERE WILL BE BLOOD and THE MASTER rank as some of the best of the last ten years, if not of all time.

What is intriguing is the tonal difference between INHERENT VICE and those other films. Both THERE WILL BE BLOOD and THE MASTER were dark, serious dramas while the adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel will be quirky and lighter in comparison. Anderson’s previous musical partner was Jon Brion who delivered diverse and excellent music for MAGNOLIA, BOOGIE NIGHTS, and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE.

It’s been awhile since Doc Sportello has seen his ex-girlfriend. Suddenly out of nowhere she shows up with a story about a plot to kidnap a billionaire land developer whom she just happens to be in love with. It’s the tail end of the psychedelic sixties in L.A., and Doc knows that “love” is another one of those words going around at the moment, like “trip” or “groovy,” except this one usually leads to trouble.

Thomas Pynchon is a brilliant author and a recluse who has produced some of the biggest and important novels of the last century. It only seems fitting that Paul Thomas Anderson would try to adapt one of his books for the big screen, a feat rarely accomplished. But, with a huge cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Owen Wilson, Katherine Waterston, Martin Short, Reese Witherspoon, Jena Malone, Benicio del Toro, and Joanna Newsom, he has a good attempt brewing. Adding Greenwood just makes it all the better.

INHERENT VICE is slated to open sometime in 2014.