Composer Henry Jackman talks to The Comet about working with director Matthew Vaughn on the box office hit “X-Men First Class” and why the highly anticipated “Shrek” spin-off “Puss in Boots” is full of bravado.

1. You worked with director Matthew Vaughn on “Kick-Ass.” What was it like working with him again?

It’s always good to have a close relationship with the director in general. Matthew is very focused on music. He loves music. (I think) he wanted to make records, and ended up making films.  So, he doesn’t stand in the background, which is great. I knew that from working with him.

2. How much musical exploration did you do?

I first started writing for “X-Men: First Class” before I’d seen footage and attacked it from a purely symphonic orchestral level. It was interesting – very florid and severly orchestral. (Matthew) and I looked at each other and both said, “No.” There is a pop sensibility in his direction of the film. Some of the X-Men are prepubescent superheroes.  Then for a while I experimented with (composer) John Barry’s “James Bond” style. I went down that rabbit hole. From that we found a palate of guitars. So, (from the experimentation) we ended up with the guitar, the harmonic simplicity and (James Bond) balls.
(Check out this film clip)

3. Were you influcenced or pressured by the previous “X-Men” films?

Matthew really protected me from that thought. This film was not wedded to the previous ones to the point of being hampered and there was no directive from the studio to do so. I think it would have held it back in many ways. This film has a feel of its own.

4. How long did you work on the music?

Well, you really mess around with it in your head and sketch things out way before you start writing. I didn’t get into full battle writing until we had decided on the main themes. Then it took seven weeks. But I was thinking about it as early as last October. There is a long gestation period. Some of the rabbit holes you just need to go down. 

5. What are you working on now?

I’m currently writing a 10-minute suite for “Puss in Boots.” It’s such fun. I can’t say too much about the film other than the filmmakers have absolutely nailed it. The great thing is that the character, even though he’s a cat, has more bravado and you can possible imagine –  my job is almost done for me! I’m really pushing the orchestral side and incorporating castanets and guitars. I’m inspired by Ravel’s “Bolero” and Debussy – concert music that has a Spanish flavor to it .

(Henry Jackman at work)