Whether channeling ominous, paranormal vibes for M. Night Shyamalan thrillers or setting the pace for Christopher Nolan's gripping, action-packed Batman trilogy, James Newton Howard has scored some of American cinema's most riveting moments. He deftly evokes tenderness with warm strings and heightens fear with rumbling percussion, expertly guiding listeners through the twists and turns of dramatic plot lines. And his choral arrangements and vocal writing for movies like The Hunger Games perfectly complement life's peak experiences; they're equally apt for triumphant ceremonies and tragic loss.