Hear My Eyes Presents Live Electronic Score for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
Hear My Eyes is set to present special screenings of James Cameron’s 1991 film "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," featuring a new live electronic score. Composed and performed by Belgian producer Peter van Hoesen and musicians from the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS), these unique performances will also include laser accompaniment by Melbourne audiovisual artist Robin Fox.
Screenings are scheduled to begin on February 25 in Melbourne, followed by shows in Sydney and Canberra. This initiative is organized by Hear My Eyes, an entity dedicated to commissioning new musical scores for established films.
Artistic Vision & Collaboration
Belgian techno producer Peter van Hoesen developed the new score. He will perform it live alongside five musicians from MESS, utilizing a collection of vintage, old, and new synthesizers provided by the studio. Van Hoesen conducted remote composition from Ho Chi Minh City, employing virtual counterparts of the MESS synthesizers.
Melbourne audiovisual artist Robin Fox will provide complementary laser displays during the screenings. Fox's approach to the laser accompaniment focuses on restraint to avoid detracting from the film, aiming to create poignant effects, particularly during the film's quieter segments.
Project Background and Intent
Hear My Eyes boasts a decade-long history of commissioning new music for classic films. Previous projects have included live scores for films such as "Suspiria," "Girlhood," "No Country For Old Men," "Hellraiser," and "Chopper."
Haydn Green, the founder and artistic director of Hear My Eyes, stated that securing the rights for "Terminator 2" from distributor StudioCanal required a six-year negotiation process.
Green described the project as an "artistic experiment" intended to re-contextualize the cinematic experience in a new sonic direction and provide a fresh point of engagement for audiences.
The aim is to offer an ephemeral and communal event, distinct from the original work, rather than to replace the film's existing score.
Crafting the New Sound
Peter van Hoesen described his new score as "more techno and more contemporary," designed to align with the film's themes, particularly artificial intelligence. Initially, he explored a more classical film score approach but subsequently shifted to creating an electronic piece reflective of his personal musical style. The project represents a significant opportunity for Hear My Eyes and an electronic ensemble to re-score a major blockbuster film.