While Hollywood's penchant for unbridled nepotism has produced its share of questionable career results, we're happy to report that this soundtrack collaboration by Alex and Jake Parker for their director father Alan Parke... more »r's morally charged courtroom thriller is a notable exception. The two young composers combine their disparate backgrounds--Alex is an engineer versed in electronic studio compositions; Jake a classically trained orchestral composer--to create a diverse score that's a compelling argument for the stylistic freedoms imparted by postmodernism. Alex's work veers from the alterna-electronica of the opening "Another Bleeding Heart" (reminiscent of Alabama 3's Sopranos title song, "Woke Up This Morning") and the even darker "Waterside" to dense electronic soundscapes propelled by tribal drums and punctuated with jarring, abrasive samples. By contrast, Jake evokes Samuel Barber in his melancholy, string-driven cues, occasionally combining his traditionalism with his brother's contemporary electronic bent to evoke music that's as forceful as it is mysterious. Their savvy musical instincts also include source music that ranges from Puccini's Turandot to the contemporary country of Toni Price's "Just to Hear Your Voice" and the plaintive Latino folk flourishes of Correo Aereo's "La Pena Huasteca." This enhanced CD also contains the film's international trailer as well as Web links. --Jerry McCulley« less
While Hollywood's penchant for unbridled nepotism has produced its share of questionable career results, we're happy to report that this soundtrack collaboration by Alex and Jake Parker for their director father Alan Parker's morally charged courtroom thriller is a notable exception. The two young composers combine their disparate backgrounds--Alex is an engineer versed in electronic studio compositions; Jake a classically trained orchestral composer--to create a diverse score that's a compelling argument for the stylistic freedoms imparted by postmodernism. Alex's work veers from the alterna-electronica of the opening "Another Bleeding Heart" (reminiscent of Alabama 3's Sopranos title song, "Woke Up This Morning") and the even darker "Waterside" to dense electronic soundscapes propelled by tribal drums and punctuated with jarring, abrasive samples. By contrast, Jake evokes Samuel Barber in his melancholy, string-driven cues, occasionally combining his traditionalism with his brother's contemporary electronic bent to evoke music that's as forceful as it is mysterious. Their savvy musical instincts also include source music that ranges from Puccini's Turandot to the contemporary country of Toni Price's "Just to Hear Your Voice" and the plaintive Latino folk flourishes of Correo Aereo's "La Pena Huasteca." This enhanced CD also contains the film's international trailer as well as Web links. --Jerry McCulley
"Part of what kept me hooked into this film was the music. It was moody and riveting at the same time. Wonderful stuff! And the operatic touch at the end (Puccini) was quite fitting."
A few great tracks!
Showergel | GA, USA | 08/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm surprised nobody mentioned the best track in this score.. #7 The Life of David Gale.. its one of the best orchestral pieces that I have heard.. worth buying the CD just for it. Its one of those great movie themes that all composers try to create but few achieve. It was used in the trailers of WTC as well as the upcoming In the Valley of Elah. #12 Just to Hear Your Voice is pretty good too.. the rest is mostly techno and drums.. not bad."
Simple yet powerful
Sarah | Bowie, MD USA | 12/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i just watched the movie, and i was so impressed. the music helped it along very well. although seemingly redundant, there was a successful purpose to it. the simplicity of the music is key in the relationship to the film. if the music was too active, it might've distracted the audience from the movie and wouldn't have had the same effect. the beat to me seemed like a rhythmic heartbeat, which helped the mood of the movie, given this man is on deathrow, and there's only a short amount of time left. coupling of music to films is an art for me, and i loved this one. i recommend it for anyone who loves simple, yet effective beats, and violins (my all-time favorite instrument)."
GREAT! MOVING!
Arthur | Washington | 02/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't wait for this movie. The soundtrack is awesome. Just To Hear Your Voice (track 12) is truly amazing. Alex and Jake Parker did a wondeful job. CHECK IT OUT!"
Devastating and moving like the film
Barry Shanley Jr. | 11/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music for this film is devastating, heartbreaking, and moving just like the film it represents. Both are loaded with emotion and power, and this is an example of what a film score should be - an extension of the bones of the story. Excellent."