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
Episode 11 Legend (1985) v Legend (1985) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:36
It’s a very special episode as we review two scores for the SAME FILM. Ridley Scott’s 1985 film Legend was released with two different scores. A Jerry Goldsmith orchestral score in Europe, and a Tangerine Dream electroni…
Episode 10 The Fountain v Tristan + Isolde [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:00
In our first annual romantic special this month we compare Clint Mansell’s score for The Fountain (2006) and Anne Dudley’s score for Tristan + Isolde (2006)
Episode 6 The Omen v The VVitch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:32
It’s our first annual Halloween Special! This month we compare Jerry Goldsmith’s classic score for The Omen (1976) and a more modern example, The VVitch (2015) score by Mark Korven. Along the way we share some of our (pe…
Episode 5 Under the Skin v La Marche de l'Empereur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:32
This month we do two firsts, our first foreign language film (not counting Mad Max) and far more importantly our first movies scored by female composers - Micah Levi’s score for the disturbing Under the Skin and Emilie S…
Episode 2 Batman (1989) vs The Dark Knight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:11
Episode 2 of Soundtrack Showdown. We look at two movies about Batman vs his arch-nemesis the Joker. Danny Elfman’s score for Batman (1989) and Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s score for The Dark Knight (2008). In a…
Episode 1 Psycho vs Jaws [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:48
In episode 1 of Soundtrack Showdown, we look at two classic horror film scores, Bernard Herrmann’s score for Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) and John Williams’ score for Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975). In a spirit of li…