Krzysztof Komeda was best known as the composer for the early films of director Roman Polanski.  His life was cut short by a fatal accidental injury which took his life on April 23, 1969.  Some called it part of the “Rosemary’s Baby” curse.   //ericreports.com/2016/02/04/curse-of-rosemarys-baby/

The first time I heard one of Komeda’s scores was in MGM’s “The Fearless Vampire Killers” (Or; Pardon Me, but Your Teeth are in my Neck (1967.)  In this dark-humored farce, Polanski (as Alfred) is irresistibly drawn by the beautiful charms of Sarah (Sharon Tate.)  The music is a quasi-baroque theme matched perfectly by the ironic conclusion.

Next, Paramount’s “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968).  Like Hitchcock, Roman Polanski inserts comedy among the grimmest of circumstances.  The opening lullaby (composed by Beethoven) is sung by Mia Farrow, eerily foretelling the proceedings.  (Plot:  A chic Manhattan couple find themselves amidst a coven of witches in the famed Dakota apartment building.)

Komeda’s last work was for “Riot” (1969), starring Jim Brown and Gene Hackman.  The director was Buzz Kulik.  Komeda wrote the music for “100 Years”.  Lyric by Robert Wells.

Who knows what direction Roman Polanski’s films would’ve taken if his favorite composer had lived?

Text  (C) 2018 – ERN