Rubén Composes the Soundtrack for Breaking Character in the U.S

The soundtrack for Breaking Character, the new film by AJ Thames, has become one of the most talked-about elements of the project thanks to its hybrid approach, blending dramedy with the darker nuances of a thriller. The creative team uses music to accompany the story of an African American actor who, during a shoot, faces the pressure of once again portraying a conflicted, criminal, and stereotyped character defined solely by the color of his skin. However, the narrative takes a turn when the protagonist, tired of this stigma and the roles that typecast him, decides to break free from imposed expectations and prove that he can offer much more. This turning point sparks a profound change in his personal and professional life, driving the story toward an unexpected and liberating conclusion.

A Hybrid Musical Approach Between Thriller and Dramedy

The music plays a key role in conveying every aspect of the film the director wanted to highlight, especially since the story constantly shifts between the film set and the actors’ real-life interactions off-camera. Inspired by the sonic aesthetic of the 1980s, Rubén crafted a score that deliberately plays with the duality between the “fiction” of the set and the main narrative.

On one hand, the soundtrack adopts a dark and powerful aura that reinforces the thriller elements present in the film; on the other, behind the scenes, a more realistic tone emerges, reflecting the situation of African American actors and the stereotypes they face. This musical separation between the two worlds is executed with precision, allowing the audience to clearly distinguish each environment and its emotional weight.

Following its official premiere in the United States, Breaking Character continues to expand its international presence and is now part of the programming at various festivals around the world, receiving particularly positive feedback for its critical approach and original genre-blending.

Parallel to this festival circuit, the soundtrack—a key element in understanding the duality between the film set’s fiction and the actors’ reality—is currently being prepared for its upcoming digital release. Rubén has worked on the final version for its digital debut, which will be available to the public very soon, further consolidating the film’s musical impact.