An unconventional film calls for an unconventional score. Swedish composer Karl Frid creates a genre-blending soundscape, which acts as a disruption of predictability, in director Ninja Thyberg’s very NSFW film, Pleasure. One could assume a film of this sexual magnitude would include fairly stereotypical syncs–slow jams like Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” or porno groove music of the 70s come to mind almost immediately. But what Frid delivers reverberates with such artistry and angelic grace, it’s obvious that Pleasure offers a different and refreshing view on an industry previously dominated by men.
A choir of layered, operatic voices (vocalized by Caroline Gentele) swells into an anthemic theme song in “Una Gioia Sempre Viva”, the latest track to be released from the Original Motion Picture Score. This sacred opera juxtaposes the images of overt sexual exploration and provides an interesting contrast in perception, specifically the dichotomy in how the main character views herself vs how men and society see her.
Cinemacy is thrilled to premiere “Una Gioia Sempre Viva” from Pleasure, below:
Starring Sofia Kappel as 19-year-old aspiring porn star Bella Cherry, Pleasure is a journey into the Los Angeles porn industry through the lens of a confident young woman, who is determined to reach a level of stardom at any cost.
Karl knew that he not only wanted–but needed–to attach his name to such a bold and provocative film. He says, “The female gaze on the working conditions from within this huge industry that no one wishes to speak about, let alone even acknowledge the existence of, was as liberatingly upfront and honest as provoking. I aimed to arrive at a musical universe that was not judgmental or too revealing, a process made in close collaboration with director Ninja Thyberg. The making of the film and the score has been a long journey and I’m very excited to finally share this music with the rest of the world.”
Karl Frid brings with him an admirable and vast knowledge of music, ranging from classical and jazz to Latin, hip-hop, and pop music. Frid studied classical music, with an emphasis on trombone, at the Royal College of Music in London before studying Afro-Cuban music in Havana. He is currently a member of the Swedish Latin group Calle Real, the Swedish jazz group Platina Jazz (performing original arrangements of Japanese anime music), and was a touring member of the Swedish jazz-electronica duo Koop.
‘Pleasure’ opens in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles this Friday, May 13. Special Q&A events with Ninja Thyberg are planned for both Los Angeles (Nuart) and New York (Angelika) following select screenings of the film.
Milan Records is releasing the ‘Pleasure’ Original Motion Picture Score on Friday, May 13th. Pre-order here.
