Search - Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard :: Batman Begins [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

Haunting, lovely and dark

Aranion | Dayton, OH United States | 06/14/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, put away your expectations that Zimmer and Howard try and top Elfman's iconic score from the 1989 film. They don't. Like the film itself, they opt for an entirely different focus and direction.



If you know any movie composers' styles at all, there are sections that a very Hans Zimmer-esque, as well as some passages that bear a resemblance to Howard's score for Unbreakable (a vastly under-rated film, IMNSHO).



But it's also not typical of either, and it does really resemble a horror film score more than anything. I don't mean that it's chock full of ear-bloodying sound effects, string screeches or cymbal crashes. It's very dark and murky, and much more about setting a tone than it is about creating a memorable theme or motif.



Don't mistake me; there are "sound effects" or strange musical intonations on the score; a recurring sound is a pounding, echoing percussion sound, like a thunderous heartbeat. It fits, and pulses darkly and pulls us into the music. But this is not a grating or garish sound, and it doesn't overwhelm the rest of the score.



The CD does feature moments of pounding action ("Molossus"), but they are scattered (or, more accurately, carefully placed) throughout the score. Similarly, there are stretches of achingly lovely strings ("Eptesicus"), evoking a deep sense of loss and sadness. Like Zimmer's score for Backdraft, though, this is really meant to be hear as one long piece.



I still recommend it for film score lovers, but it is much better as background or tone-setting music than it is for focused listening. Whether you're home reading the latest China Mieville novel or driving on a summer night as a storm moves in the from the west, it's good stuff.



BTW, the tracks are all named for various kinds of bats; it's a gutsy move on WB's part that helped me love the music. They really took pains to make this _different_.

"

Excellent score for an excellent movie

J. K. Moser | Flemington, New Jersey USA | 06/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The score for Batman Begins is not the usual super-hero score. There is not a brassy bold fanfare like the original Batman movie or a main theme filled with wonder like Superman or Spider-Man. It is in many ways an atypical score. First, there are two composers and they are two of the best in Hollywood, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. One would think that putting these two together would reveal a score that is a mishmash, but the composers do a fine job complimenting one another. The score that they produce is dark, action packed and quietly poignant. I totally enjoyed it. I would certainly have to rate it among my favorite super-hero scores and among the best of the recent scores in the last couple of years. Since I got it about less than a week ago, I have listened to it 10 times, and each time I have enjoyed more of it. Batman has been reborn both visually and musically. I hope the next movie keeps the two together."

Zimer and Howard create a stunning and dark soundtrack (rev

P. Hardy | USA | 01/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


Anyone whose seen Batman Begins probably didn't notice the score in the background that much until the movie's credits. It is there that I desired to get the score for this outstanding film (Ironically before the movie). That said, Hans Zimer and James Newton Howard created a stunning score that is worthy of anyone's collection of scores. The music ranges from silent, mournful, terrifying, and grippingly full of pulsating action with most of the tracks that play the Begins theme with such strength its hard not to become giddy over the mere hint of it. There are 12 tracks in total. All them quite lengthy in their own right and never sound as though they've been cut short for the soundtrack (much like my favorite soundtracks "Fellowship of the ring" - "The Two Towers" - and "The Return of The King."







Howard Shore's score is simply amazing as a stand alone, even after the film is over. The fact that the best of this score played in the movies weren't included in the soundtrack as well bothered me). Though the only gripe I have and its a numb one, is that they didn't include the end titles theme from the end of the movie; It showcased some of the best filler music in the film (excluding the cue used when Batman struggles to get aboard the train his father built to stop Ra's). The sound affects add atmosphere to the already creepy soundtracks that reminded me of Arkham and the Scarecrow. However, its hard to tell what track played in a particular scene due to the technical bat-named tracks (and the reason as described above), which isn't a bad thing. I mean it certainly is better than "Rachel in Arkham" or "Batman Battles Ra's al Ghul" if you know what I mean. So the track names have me guessing which ones I was listening to since I don't have them memorized in my head that well. Speaking of tracks:







(1). Vespertilio - The introduction of the film as well as the soundtrack. A nice starting to begin with that slowly eases into the theme of the song that will be the most heard of in the soundtrack aside from sweet melodic theme used to indicate Bruce's memories, Rachel, or his parents. It really gives you a sense of determination in Bruce Wayne (in my opinion) and what he readies himself to do for Gotham. 5/5









(2). Eptesicus - Bruce and the aftermath of his incident in the well and another assortment of melancholy moments in the film. As mentioned before, this is a beautifully composed melody that sends a sort of reminiscent feeling through me. The best part of Eptesicus is when the Begins theme rises slowly in volume and doesn't cease to do so until the end of the track. - 5/5









(3). Myotis - My second absolute favorite track on the soundtrack. You literally can illustrate the scene in your mind in which Bruce denies his right to join the league of shadows by refusing to execute the farmer that became the murderer. With a slow and ominous start of things to come, once Myotis throws you into its action theme (in its entirety), its hard to keep from pressing the 'repeat' button just hear it again. In spite of the musical breaks between the action that shifts to different rift, Myotis is the best action track next to "Molossus." - 5/5









(4). Barbastella - Barbastella is relatively long in feeling for me, so I do no know where it ends of where it begins. I enjoy it nevertheless. This track empathizes on the angsty and slightly vocalized theme of Bruce's parent's death in the alley at the beginning and his short time spent at Gotham P.D. with fellow police officer Jim Gordon. The theme kicks in once again, but this time with much more passion and strength behind it. From there the more darker tone of Batman Begins kicks in. I enjoyed this one overall. - 4/5









(5). Artibeus - Introduction to Batman's full costumed appearance and the fall of Carmine Falcone. Unwittingly this track made me jump in fright with the beat of the sound affects which overpowered the sparse music one some notes. It falls into the dramatic melody once again when the sound effects are said and done. Its a nicely crafted track for the most part, but it simply wets your tongue for the tracks following after it. - 3/5









(6). Tadarida - I basically dubbed this the "Scarecrow theme," due to the scene where Batman is caught off guard by Jonathan crane and is gassed by the toxin that causes delirium of sorts. The beginning starts off with another sweet and sorrowful melody before falling into the darker tone set. The sound effects are heavily empathized in this track in a second before the music kicks back in and recreates the atmosphere of that scene through your speakers. - 5/5









(7). Macrotus - This track sounds like a simple assortment cues from scenes to which I cannot remember clearly. Its over seven minutes long in length, the cellos used in this track intensify with volume with every note taken. The theme of Bruce's memories of his parents and Rachel plays out the strongest in "Macrotus." The league of shadows scenes is heard afterward (when Bruce faces his second to last test: facing his fears). - 5/5









(8). Antrozous - "Antrozous" is a warm up to the two tracks after it. The action theme roars to life at the beginning of the track, with a slow paced beginning (Bruce reveals himself to Rachel) before diving head first into the pumping theme that ends far too quickly in my opinion, boiling down to slight calm. - 4/5









(9). Nycteris - Introduction to Lucius Fox and Bruce Wayne's meeting. This track carries a sort of espionage type tune at the beginning that more than a real treat to listen to. - 4/5









(10). Molossus - My first absolute favorite track on the Batman Begins soundtrack. For the entire four plus minutes it's nothing much non-stop pulsating action orchestrated wonderfully by Zimer and Howard. Carries tunes of the climax of the film and the TUMBLER (sighs) scene, it simply sends excited chills down my spine everytime I hear it. - 5/5









(11). Corynorhinus - This is basically prelude to the end of Batman Begins, the memory/Rachel and Bruce theme can be heard with a major change to it and the best part of the end when Batman converses with Jim Gordon on the rooftop is also included in this track. Its easily my third favorite track on the CD. - 5/5







(12). Lasiurus - I'm not really sure what to say about "Lasiurus," in all honesty. Its not my favorite track and the cellos can be a bit overpowering and loud (even with the volume down a bit) at times on the speaks of the radio. Of course that's not say that its a horrible track, on the contrary. There are stronger emotionally moving moments in this track than the whole CD put together. But the last track is rather hard to identify thus, making it a half-and-half situation in some cases. On a final note "Larisurus" ends repeating the very introduction and Batman Introduction to Faclone aftermath in such a cool way, that I'm glad it ends on such a note.







All in all, "Batman Begins" is an excellent buy for those looking for a major change in the Superhero score department. Its defiantly not fore die-hard Elfman(?) fans looking for the overused Batman theme from the previous two original movies directed by Burton and the animated series. Batman Begins It certainly wouldn't have you questioning your spent money like "Spier-Man/2", "X2" (I recommend buying Michael Kamen's "X-Men" score over that) "Fantastic Four" or "Superman" would. ----- [a 5 out of 5]"