Claire Rousay’s Innovative Score for a Classic Film
This year, experimental artist Claire Rousay, based in Los Angeles, released a remarkable album titled sentiment, which has quickly become a highlight of the year. She is set to join forces with Jeff Tweedy for the benefit compilation TRAИƧA next month. Following these notable projects, Rousay is now gearing up to unveil a new score for a classic Slovakian animated film.
The film, The Bloody Lady, directed by Viktor Kubal in 1980, draws on dark folktales about Elisabeth Bathory. Rousay recorded her reimagined score last year in her LA studio, having previously performed it at the Videodroom / Film Fest Gent in Belgium. She will bring this performance to New York’s Nitehawk Cinema later this month. Commissioned shortly after visiting Bathory’s castle, her score will be released as an album next month. Rousay shared her thoughts on the film:
The narrative initially appears simple and fairytale-like, but as you delve deeper, intricate details unfold. The characters’ seemingly straightforward actions lead to a complex understanding of morality that shifts based on perspective. Immersing myself in this world allowed me to engage with the narrative and its characters from various angles… The themes surrounding the heart are central to the film, inspiring the pulse of my score.
Listen to a track from the score below:
Rousay’s score for The Bloody Lady will be available on November 8th via Thrill Jockey. For more insights, check out our recent interview with her.
Comment