Movies - Knox Goes Away: A Symphony of Suspense and Emotion

By Mulder, 28 march 2024

In a striking meld of musical ingenuity and cinematic brilliance, Knox Goes Away, the latest Lionsgate mystery thriller, marks a captivating endeavor that bridges the talents of award-winning composer Alex Heffes and the multifaceted Michael Keaton, who not only stars in the lead role but also directs this gripping narrative. Scheduled for its grand unveiling on April 5th, the film's soundtrack, a testament to Heffes' visionary composition, will be released on Lakeshore Records, promising an auditory journey as compelling as the film's storyline.

Having garnered acclaim for his scores in critically acclaimed films such as The Last King of Scotland and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Heffes brings to Knox Goes Away a musical landscape that is both evocative and enthralling. The film, which had its Los Angeles premiere on March 14 at the prestigious Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, is a testament to the collaborative spirit between Heffes and Keaton, embarking on weekly discussions that shaped the film's sonic identity even before its production commenced.

The narrative of Knox Goes Away unfolds around Knox, portrayed by Keaton, a contract killer grappling with a rapidly progressing form of dementia. With the help of a trusted friend, played by Academy Award winner Al Pacino, Knox navigates a treacherous path to save his estranged son from a dangerous past mistake, all while evading the law and his own deteriorating mind. The film boasts a stellar cast including James Marsden, Ray McKinnon, and Marcia Gay Harden, weaving a tale of suspense, redemption, and the relentless passage of time.

Michael Keaton's direction takes a deep dive into the LA film noir aesthetic, a choice that significantly influenced the film's musical score. Heffes, in a novel approach to scoring, was inspired by Keaton's noir leanings, evident in the exchange of piano recordings and voice memos that led to the creation of the film's soundtrack. Integrating trumpets and horn sections as homage to the genre, Heffes also infused contemporary elements through the use of synthesizers and modern music techniques, crafting a score that resonates with the film's rich emotional and narrative depth.

Alex Heffes, whose illustrious career spans over 70 feature films and television projects, is recognized for his versatility across a wide spectrum of genres. From orchestral and world-infused action scores to dark electronica and thematic piano compositions, Heffes' work reflects a profound understanding of the narrative form, enriching the cinematic experience with his musical prowess. His recent work includes scoring HBO's The Regime, further showcasing his talent in complementing storytelling with evocative musical scores.

Knox Goes Away not only highlights the artistic synergy between Alex Heffes and Michael Keaton but also stands as a beacon of narrative and musical collaboration. As the film makes its way to theaters, audiences are invited to experience a story that navigates the complexities of human nature, underscored by a soundtrack that echoes the heart and soul of its characters.

For those eager to explore more of Alex Heffes' musical genius, his official website and social media platforms offer a glimpse into the composer's world, where music and storytelling intertwine to create magic on screen. As Knox Goes Away takes audiences on a suspense-filled journey, it is the music that will linger, haunting and beautiful, long after the credits roll.

Synopsis : 
Contract killer John Knox is diagnosed with a rapidly progressing form of dementia. He vows to spend his last days trying to redeem himself by saving his son's life.

Knox Goes Away
Directed by Michael Keaton
Written by Gregory Poirier
Produced by Trevor Matthews, Nick Gordon, Michael Sugar, Ashley Zalta, Michael Keaton
Starring  Michael Keaton, James Marsden, Suzy Nakamura, Joanna Kulig, Ray McKinnon, John Hoogenakker, Lela Loren, Marcia Gay Harden, Al Pacino
Cinematography : Marshall Adams
Edited by Jessica Hernandez
Music by Alex Heffes
Production companies : FilmNation Entertainment, Brookstreet Pictures, Sugar23
Distributed by Saban Films (United States), FilmNation Entertainment (International)
Release dates : September 10, 2023 (TIFF); March 15, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 114 minutes

(Source : press release)