In ‘The Book of Vision’ Composer Hanan Townshend Blurs The Line Between Science and Spirituality

Townshend weaves a spellbinding tapestry of sounds in Carlo Hintermann’s directorial debut about hopes, dreams, and death

Composer Hanan Townshend’s new score for The Book of Vision is now available on Amazon. The Terrence Malick production marks swiz documentarian Carlo Hintermann’s directorial debut.

“This film faces the reality of life and death, our hopes and fears, and inspires us to live life to the fullest,” says Townshend of the mind-bending journey.

Hintermann describes The Book of Vision as “a game of mirrors between two dimensions, inspired by the type of storytelling in video games.”

The production’s international cast includes Charles Dance (“Game of Thrones”), Lotte Verbeek (“Outlander,” “The Borgias”), Sverrir Gudnason (“Borg vs. McEnroe”), Isolda Dychauk (“The Borgias,” “Faust”) and Italian actor Filippo Nigro.

Far from a traditional scientific perspective, the book, written by Dr. Anmuth, contains the hopes, fears, and dreams of over 1800 patients. It’s also a manuscript that takes past and present and hurls them into an unexpected psychological vortex.

The haunting soundtrack if interlaces pre-recorded arrangements and improvisations to transport ake audiences through a profoundly emotional musical experience that flutters between realms. Townshend’s musical mosaic of old, new, and futuristic sounds beautifully compliments Hinterman’s  the timer jumping journey.

According to Townshend, the score is built around the saxophone, often riffing off inspiring classical pieces from music luminaries like Brahms and Liszt.

“Compositionally, the original work is an extension of this world, blending clarinet, saxophone ensemble, and strings to enhance the woody soundscape. Federico Pascucci’s musical additions also bring a lovely romantic heartbeat,” says the Seattle based composer known for scoring Terrence Malick’s Knight of Cups, To the Wonder, and Sound to Sound.

The full score, composed of 22 tracks, is a collaboration between Townshend, Errichetta Underground, and the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra.

The release of Hintermann’s theatrical debut is a significant milestone for the young composer. This project, which recently debuted at the Venice International Film Critics’ Week in Italy, is a testament to the soft-spoken musician’s musical and professional advancement. In The Book of Vision, Townshend takes his spellbinding arrangements and injects raw and poignant accents that make up a genuinely original sonic kaleidoscope.

This year, the in-demand musician also became a significant contender in the commercial music sector by scoring music for global iconic brands like Google, Nike, American Express, and Apple, among others.

Townshend is currently scoring On The Line, the true story of a Mexican orphanage, Casa Hogar, struggling to survive after Hurricane Odile hit in 2014.

Whether it’s with commercials or theatrical releases, Townshend captures the ears of the film industry and music fans alike. Fans  can check out an exclusive track from THE BOOK OF VISION by clicking the following link: The Book of Vision – The Child.

For more information on Hanan, please visit: www.hanantownshend.com.