Invention of Hugo

Director Martin Scorsese's Hugo, adapted from the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick, presents composer Howard Shore, working on his sixth Scorsese film, with distinct requirements that he fulfills ably. The story is set in 1930s Paris, and it is concerned with magical and childlike elements, also taking in the early days of cinema. For this most lighthearted (and most Gallic) of Scorsese efforts, Shore appropriately suggests French moods everywhere. The basic way he achieves this is by using two different sets of musicians simultaneously on most cues. There is a full orchestra, to be sure, but it tends to occupy the background of the sound picture…