The many talents of Graeme Revell
William Smith | Djacarta | 03/31/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I wouldn't call anything Graeme Revell composed a masterpiece, but I will declare that each and every one of his efforts at film scoring is another piece of an ever growing puzzle that does nothing less but excite the listener and give them another perspective of film music.... "Below" is one more piece that deserves specific merit. This is a tantalizing composition that includes action, sorrow, suspense and, in a highly effective use of strings and horns, an elegiac cue that describes perfectly the cathartic demise of the submarine in the film... A truly worthy score, and a must-have for Revell fans..."
Not below my standards for a good score
Brandon Cutro | Tyler, Texas United States | 02/08/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Graeme Revell is back with one of his better scores of a long while. The music is mainly atmospheric in nature with some really exciting moments. The main theme is one of Revell's best themes in my opinion, with lots of bold brass that gives brute strength to the film. When the theme is played, which is not very often sad to say, the result is a rewarding listening experience. "Main Title" opens with the main theme played over lots of sampled percussion. "Stations Ready" is an exciting action cue with plenty of rapid strings played along with the exciting theme. "Sealing Off Compartments" is another cue worth mentioning, along with "Going Up!" which contains some frantic string writing that lasts 54 seconds. The best track is the last one, "Safe Harbor", which contains all of the score's most exciting moments in one 7 minute cue. It's a shame that the middle portion of the score is moody and atmospheric and doesn't compare to the other exciting parts of the score. Another interesting part of the score is breathing effects that occur in "Odell Solves the Mystery" that convey that ominous side. The orchestra, although small, does a great job with the music and the electronics really do fit in. Only 34 minutes of music are featured in this score, but that really is enough. A good score overall that is not below my standards."