Best Wishes

Philipp

Ask him

--B

quote:

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Originally posted by Jeron:
It's a Kevin Costner flick

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Maybe that's why

I mean really, the only good thing about "Postman" was JNH's score IMO

"Dances" rocked hard core and then Costner's directing went down hill from there...

--Brian

I've got it,and while certainly not bad by any stretch of the imagination,it just seems a little generic sounding in some places.It has that kamen sound but with a definate western feel.There is alot of guitar and there is also that trademark Kamen suspense/action music,but toned down a bit.

Also,the theme just didn't stand out to me.I kept wanting to hear something more grand or memorable.But then again Kamen's never really been known for writing memorable themes.

Don't get me wrong it has good moments.But while listening to it I kept thinking about what Basil Poledouris might have come up with if had he stayed on the project.

quote:

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"Dances" rocked hard core and then Costner's directing went down hill from there...

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"Rocked hard core" aside, how can you fairly say this about a guy who's directed 2 total movies? (Add to the fact that 3-hour "Postman" opened opposite 3-hour "Titanic"...)

quote:

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Originally posted by Crono/Kyp:
Tim usually buys everything

Ask him

--B

NP: Some JNH CD

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Unfortunately film music these days doesn't warrant such an enthusiastic gotta get it attitude in me anymore. I've heard that the score is slow and kinda reflectful with some dark moments. But absolutely nothing like the gun-ho heroic suite of James Newton Howard music used in the trailer.
By the way it’s described, I am reminded of Kamen's sleepy score to Band of Brothers (zzZZZ). So I didn't purchase it yet.
But thanks for thinking of me!

Jz

But hey, it's Kamen, and it's still really good stuff.

Aaron

The theme worked well without being too in your face.

This is one of the few westerns that I have seen where I felt a pure sense of realism and that characters were actual people rather than caricatures. The attention to detail and the authenticity really grabbed me.

Also, the theme just didn't stand out to me. I kept wanting to hear something more grand or memorable. But then again Kamen's never really been known for writing memorable themes.

This is one flick I have been looking forward to seeing for, among other reasons, the excellent article/review of Richard Corliss' in TIME magazine which I just happened to read earlier this evening. The first 3 comments above, however, leave me a bit apprehensive already about the score. These 'compliments' are not what I would exactly call ringing endorsements. After all, we pretty much agree that an above-average if not great/really good score can put a good picture over the top, do we not? That is why the fourth comment speaks for me in advance. I reserve the right, of course, to be pleasantly surprised. But I'm not counting on exercising said right. However...let us wait and see.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lancelot:
If only more people would "wait and see" when it comes to such things.
I know it makes more sense, but is it less fun that way, also?

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I think it all comes down to personal preference, really. On the one hand, going into something with an unbiased, totally open mind (something I don't know how to do, frankly) will ensure that you can judge a piece of art or entertainment solely for what it is on its own.

On the other hand, the only way a score or a film (or anything) can ever exceed expectations is to have them when you go in. And since in my view all art is subjective, it is preferable to have some sort of bias when immersing oneself in a work of art. And I do believe it is possible to have an open mind in spite of personal biases. For example, I think The Last Samurai looks like a very promising film, but I really, really dislike most of Hans Zimmer's work. But in the case of this film, I am willing to look past that on the chance that he will pull through with one of his best efforts (Beyond Rangoon is my favorite of his).

I think this is essentially what Howard was going for with his comments on Open Range. He has obvious personal biases already, but is still going in with an open (if skeptical) mind.

I'm not saying my way is better than yours, Lancelot. All I'm saying is that it's better for me. Yours is better for you, and that's perfectly fine.

You have enunciated my attitude with impeccable precision. Indeed, there is always the possibility, too, of walking out afterwards with a big grin on your puss that practically cries out,
"Them critics are full of it."