Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning

Since its re-introduction to the hearts, minds, and ears of viewers in 1996, the Mission: Impossible theme has become a cultural touchstone for the public, and more than likely this generation’s most famous tune in the unusual 5/4 meter. Thus it helps ensure an air of suspense to any scene it graces. It would only make sense, then, that the teaser for Dead Reckoning (the seventh entry in the franchise, for those counting) would opt to build on this popular theme, while still offering something new. As such, the very possible mission here is to tread an admittedly thin line between playing on nostalgia and creating a legitimately new and different entry to the series.

After a micro-teaser that unabashedly plays the aforementioned theme in full force, the opening moments of the trailer showcase a montage of set pieces while the music bides its time. It sticks to the characteristically pulsing bass and low strings, with some upper strings peeking out from time to time. Seedy nightlife scenes are interspersed and juxtaposed with shots in nature and broad daylight. An extended monologue takes up most of the sonic space here, with a variety of action scenes notably absent of any diegetic sound. When there is—such as the gun shot at 0:43—it’s muted and used as a synch point to the soundtrack, which itself remains relatively in the background, but simmering with potential energy. The aforementioned explosive sound is used again at a synch point at 0:46, building tension.

Finally, Tom Cruise’s face is shown at 0:52 as the music reaches a climactic point, moving from a steady rhythm to sustained chords. Brass enters the fray as well, with the action scenes will themselves silent but also picking up the pace. Dramatic chord changes that modulate the key are the order of the day as we reach another climax at 1:18, now with smoke bombs on screen emitting a synched sound between the diegesis and the soundtrack.

With the date’s title card, we’re granted soaring strings and the sly inclusion of the classic Mission: Impossible theme in the bass. It’s almost possible to miss it should your ear be attuned to the melody—it’s a bit lower in the mix, with a relative subtlety befitting a popular franchise entering its twenty-seventh year. This being said, by 1:36 it does move to the fore both in volume and through the quicker chord changes, which more readily foreground its presence.

In this last stretch, choral voices are featured—often the final piece in a steadily building epic music arrangement. At 1:54 the music stops suddenly, and all we hear is the rustling wind as we see Cruise take an epic jump into the countryside off a motorbike. Notably, this is the last scene we see—and hear—before the main title card, ending note on total bombast, but on awe and intrigue. Sometimes, in the case of sound effects, fewer add up to greater effectiveness.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning arrives in theatres July 14th.

— Curtis Perry