2021 Valentines Day Special – Secretary (2002) v The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

2021 Valentines Day Special – Secretary (2002) v The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

Author: Tristellar Music February 27, 2021 Duration: 1:32:38

Welcome to our customary February “Romantic Movie” showdown in honour of Valentine’s Day.

*CONTENT WARNING* This year we are looking at two films that look at BDSM relationships. Please note that this makes the episode somewhat more ‘adult’ than usual. We focus primarily on the music and the underlying relationships, but please avoid this episode if discussion of sex, sexuality and bondage is uncomfortable for you (or unsuitable for the environment in which you listen to podcasts).

Rounds for this month

1 – Opening Music

2 – Characters and Fetishes

3 – Sexual Fantasy

4 – Relationship Breakdown

5 – Legacy


Also a disclaimer that whilst we are professional film composers and knowledgeable on that side of things, we openly acknowledge that neither of us are experts regarding BDSM. If you find that we have been disrespectful or inaccurate in any of our discussion, it is not intentional and please let us know through the channels below so that we can discuss how we can make right.

To do this, or find out more, or leave us a message you can reach us at @tristellarmusic on your favourite social media (twitter, facebook and insta) or via our website - www.tristellarmusic.com

We hope you’ve enjoyed another Soundtrack Showdown episode. If so, the absolute best things you can do for us are to share us with your friends and family, and/or leave us a lovely review wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay safe out there everybody.


Ever wondered what makes a film score truly unforgettable? Each month on Soundtrack Showdown, Ellakova and Tristan Kane-two aspiring film composers themselves-dive deep into that very question. They don't just play clips; they dissect, debate, and celebrate two iconic soundtracks, pitting them against each other in a friendly but passionate battle. You'll hear them break down the composers' techniques, the emotional impact of key themes, and how the music serves the story on screen. It's a conversation that goes beyond simple preference, exploring the craft behind the cinema's most powerful music. This podcast from Tristellar Music offers a genuine insider's perspective, full of appreciation and thoughtful analysis. Whether you're a casual movie fan or a dedicated audiophile, you'll find yourself listening to films in an entirely new way, discovering layers and nuances you might have missed before. Join Ellakova and Tristan as they listen closely, argue persuasively, and ultimately attempt to crown one score the champion of the month.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 17

Soundtrack Showdown
Podcast Episodes
King Kong (1933) v Bride of Frankenstein (1935) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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It’s Ella’s favourite time of year again, Halloween! And this year we’re celebrating by going way back into the vaults to two of the earliest soundtracks in cinema history. We consider the work of the “father of film mus…
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) v The Shape of Water (2017) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:43
This month we focus on the Mexican film director, screenwriter, producer, and novelist – Guillermo Del Toro. We’re talking about the music for two of his most respected “adult fairytale” films, Pan’s Labyrinth - score by…
Logan (2017) v Man Of Steel (2013) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:45
We kick off season 3 with a battle of the ages, Marvel vs DC Representing DC, we have Hans Zimmer’s score for Zac Snyder’s 2013 Superman reboot – Man Of Steel And for Marvel we have Marco Beltrami’s score for Logan from…
Joker (2019) v Taxi Driver (1976) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:13
Social isolation special. We absolutely didn’t intend this. But, as Covid-19 reaches pandemic proportions and social distancing measures are put in place around the world, we find ourselves analysing two films that consi…
The Great Escape (1963) v Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:52
This month we compare the work of a master and their apprentice. Elmer Bernstein wrote some of the one of the most iconic and enduring scores in the history of cinema. However, he also has a legacy as one of the great te…
Six soundtrack trends we wish would die [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:44
This month Ella and Tristan embrace the negative and talk about six soundtrack trends that really grind our gears. 1: Poor music placement/editing 2: Inconsistent Sound 3: Weak Hero Themes 4: Percussion tracks (and ostin…
The Stepford Wives (1975) v Get Out (2017) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:49
This month we compare two social-message horror films. The Stepford Wives – Composer Michael Small, and Get Out – Composer Michael Abels Rounds for this month 1 – Opening Theme 2 – Something’s wrong 3 – Reveal 4 – Suspen…
Episode 14 Blade v Black Panther [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:24
This month we go back to the world of superheroes as we compare two African-American-centric Marvel movies. We analyse Mark Isham’s score for Blade (1998) and Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score for Black Panther (201…
Episode 12 Final Fantasy v Legend of Zelda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:07
Ella and Tristan compare the music of Final Fantasy VII and the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. And yes, we talk about One-Winged Angel!