Interview: Composer Nathan Johnson Talks Scoring ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’

As I said last year, when we spoke for Nightmare Alley (here), Nathan Johnson is a composer who deserves more credit in the industry. Of course, he got his start working with a family member, one Rian Johnson, on Brick, The Brothers Bloom, and Looper, but his work extends beyond. In addition to doing Knives Out with his relative, he’s also done the music for Don Jon, Kill the Messenger, and even video games. Now, with his latest collaboration with his cousin, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, knee-deep in the awards race, he’s back to chat more about film composing. Recently, we spoke to star Janelle Monáe about the flick (here), but today, it’s Johnson’s turn.

This here is some of what I had to say about Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery back at the Toronto International Film Festival:

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a blast. The film finds its rhythm very early on, making it incredibly smooth sailing. Moreover, this is the rare twisty movie that makes every reveal an improvement on the prior one. By the time the flick ends, it’s impossible not to have a giant smile on your face.

Below, you can see my chat with Johnson. We discuss the music of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, obviously, as well as how he and Rian are able to have such a fruitful and long-term working relationship. It’s an interesting conversation, with laughter and information coming in equal measure. If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery yet, it’s on Netflix and can be viewed literally right at this moment. What are you waiting for?

Here now is my interview with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery composer Nathan Johnson. Enjoy:

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix!