Gustavo Santaolalla’s music embodies the essence of The Last of Us
The haunting melodies of Gustavo Santaolalla’s music have become synonymous with The Last of Us franchise, providing emotional depth and tension to both the games and the TV show adaptation. Born in Buenos Aires and raised on a mix of English rock and Argentine folk music, Santaolalla developed his unique sound early on. After fleeing the Argentine dictatorship in 1978, he found success in Los Angeles scoring films like Amores Perros and 21 Grams, which eventually led to Academy Award-winning scores for Brokeback Mountain and Babel.
One of Santaolalla’s signature elements is his use of silence in music, believing that the absence of sound can be just as powerful as a note played. He recalls how producers initially questioned his emphasis on silence in his music but later recognized its impact. This approach to music led him to shy away from traditional orchestral scores and instead craft a sound that resonates deeply with audiences on an emotional level.
Despite being a self-proclaimed “terrible gamer,” Santaolalla’s interest in emotionally-driven projects led him to The Last of Us. He was approached by several game companies post-Oscar wins but turned down projects until Neil Druckmann presented him with the story of a game that connects with players emotionally. The rest, as they say, is history. Santaolalla’s scuffed notes and discordant melodies add to the atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic world, where danger lurks around every corner.
In the second game, Santaolalla’s music becomes even more intertwined with the story, as Ellie carries a guitar on her journey of vengeance. These moments of respite offer a stark contrast to the harrowing silence that pervades the world of The Last of Us. With the TV series adaptation, Santaolalla emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cohesive experience for fans of the franchise, ensuring that the music remains a central element in both the games and the show.
As Santaolalla introduces his own musical creation, the Guitarocko, he reflects on the journey that brought him to this point in his career. The connection he has forged with fans through The Last of Us has been a profound experience for the composer, allowing him to reach a new audience and share his music in a meaningful way. Despite the differences in media, Santaolalla believes that great storytelling transcends any superficial changes, highlighting the enduring power of well-crafted narratives.
Through his innovative use of silence, scuffed notes, and discordant melodies, Gustavo Santaolalla has woven a musical tapestry that captures the essence of The Last of Us, solidifying his place as the soul of the franchise. His dedication to evoking emotion through his music has resonated with fans across various mediums, creating a legacy that extends beyond traditional boundaries.