The Descendants Soundtrack - Gabby Pahinui

Alexander Payne is one of my favorite directors due to his string of critically acclaimed "dramedies" over the past twelve years (Election and Sideways being his strongest works, in my opinion). His latest film, The Descendants, continues that streak and is one of Real Au Jus' Best Films of 2011*.  The Descendants stars our man George Clooney as a lawyer in Honolulu who struggles to care for his two daughters after his wife is severely injured in a boating accident.

Payne takes full advantage of the tropical Hawaiian setting, featuring it prominently in the film's gorgeous cinematography.  During the project, Payne also found inspiration in Hawaii's rich musical tradition, and used local musicians to create the soundtrack.  Payne was recently interviewed on NPR's The Record about the music used in the film, and his affinity to Hawaiian legend Gabby Pahinui.