Composer

:

Claude Bolling

Genre

:

Film

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1978

California Suite is a comedy-drama film directed by Herbert Ross and released in 1978. The film is based on a play by Neil Simon and features an ensemble cast including Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Maggie Smith, Michael Caine, and Walter Matthau. The film is divided into four separate stories, each taking place in a suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. The film premiered on December 15, 1978, and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Maggie Smith, and won one for Best Original Song Score for composer Claude Bolling. The soundtrack for California Suite is a jazz-infused score composed by Claude Bolling. The score features a mix of original compositions and jazz standards, including "Take the 'A' Train" and "Misty." Bolling's use of jazz music reflects the film's setting in Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant jazz scene. The score is divided into four movements, each corresponding to one of the film's four stories. The first movement, titled "Suite for Jane and Alan," features a romantic and playful theme that reflects the chemistry between the characters played by Jane Fonda and Alan Alda. The second movement, "Suite for Diana and Sidney," is a more melancholic piece that reflects the strained relationship between the characters played by Maggie Smith and Michael Caine. The third movement, "Suite for Hannah and Bill," is a lighthearted and comedic piece that reflects the chaotic nature of the characters' relationship. The final movement, "Suite for Marvin and Millie," is a fast-paced and energetic piece that reflects the frenzied nature of the characters' situation. Overall, the soundtrack for California Suite is a fitting accompaniment to the film's mix of comedy and drama. Bolling's use of jazz music adds a unique flavor to the score and helps to capture the essence of Los Angeles in the late 1970s.

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