Este Haim is currently in Berlin working on the score for the British indie film Sunny Dancer, but she has set her sights on composing music for Paul Thomas Anderson’s future projects. Known widely as an Oscar favorite filmmaker, Anderson has a long-standing creative relationship with Haim, making this collaboration a natural next step.
Paul Thomas Anderson has directed over ten music videos for the Haim sisters, as well as their short film Valentine. In addition, he cast Alana Haim in the acclaimed film Licorice Pizza, with smaller roles for Este, Danielle, and their mother Donna, who once taught Anderson when he was in elementary school. This close connection adds depth to Este’s aspiration to score his films.
Este Haim’s Relationship with Paul Thomas Anderson
During a press conference for Sunny Dancer, Este Haim enthusiastically expressed her admiration and respect for Paul Thomas Anderson’s work. She called him
“one of the greatest directors of not just our generation, but of all time”
and described him as a brother figure in her life.
I think Paul is one of the greatest directors of not just our generation, but of all time. And I feel very, very lucky that I’ve gotten to work with him on most of our music videos. I sort of view him as kind of like my older brother,
Este said.
So yes. If Jonny Greenwood happens to retire, I will be right there for Paul whenever he would like.
— Este Haim, Musician
Este Haim’s Close Ties to Emerging Directors
While Este views Paul Thomas Anderson as her older brother figure, she also regards George Jaques, the emerging British director of Sunny Dancer, as a younger brother. She expressed a strong desire to continue working with Jaques over the long term, showing her deep appreciation for collaborative, family-like creative bonds.
So I’ve got two sisters, and I have two brothers as well,
she said, underlining the importance of these valued artistic relationships. Este added she would happily collaborate with Jaques
“for the rest of my life,”
as long as Jonny Greenwood remains active.
Upcoming Premiere of Sunny Dancer at Berlinale
Sunny Dancer, starring Bella Ramsey and Neil Patrick Harris, is set to open the Berlinale’s Generation 14plus section on Friday night. The film marks an important milestone for Este Haim as both a composer and collaborator, enhancing her growing profile in the world of music scoring.
Why Este Haim’s Future in Film Scoring Matters
With Este Haim’s strong connections to Paul Thomas Anderson and other notable directors, her ambition to score films carries significant weight within the indie and mainstream film communities. Her potential collaboration with Anderson could influence the tone and atmosphere of his future projects, given her unique musical perspective and history with his work. Furthermore, Este’s ongoing partnerships reflect a meaningful blending of music and cinema that could inspire more artists crossing over between these creative worlds.
