Film score to DV documentary directed by Megan Spencer & produced by Rosemary Blyth; premiered at 55th Melbourne International Film Festival - 2006
 
        
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With its focus on the central figure of Sue, the idea for Lovestruck developed around the idea of 'listening' to her. Megan's documentary performs in this way - more listening to what Sue has to say than simply observing her or even documenting her. Boasting the rough and ready boisterous enthusiam all wrestling fans have for their favourite sport, Sue's manner is uncompromised both by social mores and any framing of Megan's filmmaking. This suggested that the score should similarly pay full attention to Sue and what she has to say.

Translating this concept to music was difficult at first, until the idea came to voice the score in one of Sue's favourite musical genres - country rock. Following this through, 6 themes were developed - each evoking and repsonding to various emotional aspects of Sue. Ultimately, all 6 themes are totally 'with' Sue: they attribute to her maximal grandeur, respect, drama and support. This was decided due to the pre-judgement that many viewers would be likely to make of Sue - a mature woman still rabidly obsessed with such a disregarded sport like wrestling. With everything stacked against her, the music is totally in her corner of the ring.

The resulting country-rock tinged score thus ignores any cliches of ironic commentary, smarmy 'winking-to-the-audience' or droll/dry/witty asides which mock wrestling and its fan-base. As Megan's documentary is completely devoid of these modes of 'weirdo-spotting', the score accords with her directorial focus.



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