Search - Marcelo Zarvos :: Taking Chance [Music fron the HBO Film]

One of a kind

Beatty R. Spurr | Long Beach, CA, USA | 02/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A war movie without the war. An almost spiritual human drama following the return of a young Marine who was killed in Iraq. The movie begins as his remains are flown from Iraq, ending as his remains are laid to rest at his home in Wyoming. Kevin Bacon plays the Marine LtCol who accompanied the remains. Crafted by the actual LtCol who lived the experience, the story portrays the emotional burden of a Marine officer as he confronts his own lack of combat experience. It portrays the family as well as the bystanders, who found themselves confronted, whether as professionals in the process or as bystanders in the airports or the highways. An apolitical, deeply moving if not cathartic experience on many levels. This is a new and unique treatment for the genre. Regardless of the viewers perspective, this movie is a surprisingly uplifting experience, not soon forgotten."

The music that helped make a moving and profound film

Donald M. Bishop | Virginia | 02/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I viewed this film at a pre-screening, and I left the theater deeply moved. It's a simple story -- Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl (perfectly played by Kevin Bacon) accompanies the remains of Private First Class Chance Phelps from the mortuary at Dover AFB in Delaware to his home in Wyoming -- made into a heartfelt film.



The Marine's death in Iraq occurs in the tense first minute of the film, with viewers only hearing the radio chatter and the explosion on a black screen. The screen comes to light with PFC Phelps' remains being sent to the U.S. The care of the remains and the personal effects makes visible and gives dignity to the anonymous work at Dover AFB.



The story takes the viewer into some seldom-seen corners of America -- from airport cargo facilities to the mountain highways of Wyoming -- and shows everywhere the reverence for the fallen. When the escort gives Phelps' watch, dog tags, and wooden cross to his parents, eight days after his death, even men will feel the tears coming. Finally, as LtCol Strobl (who has not yet been to Iraq) thinks over the experience, there's a meditation on where duty lies for a Marine Corps officer.



Director Ross Katz, Kevin Bacon, and HBO -- and composer Marcelo Zarvos, whose music is on this CD -- have given us a profound film that grants us rare look not at America's prosperity, or freedoms, or politics -- but rather America's soul.



-30-



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Emotional and Moving productions, both film and music...

J. Berman | Quantico, VA USA | 03/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unmistakingly, the most moving film production I have ever seen about my Marine Corps brothers and sisters that have served on the front lines in Iraq/ Afghanistan. As a Marine, a Gunnery SGT that lives in Quantico, VA, I have been completely moved by the wonderful work that everyone, including Kevin Bacon (as LTCol Mike Strobl) has done with this production. The movie will make anyone well-up with tears, EVEN Marines!

The Taking Chance CD (Soundtrack) is wonderful and moving, as every song seems to take you along the journey these two Marines had together, without ever speaking. Truly an honorble film and compelling music (composed by Marcelo Zarvos).

The music is beautiful, soothing, and grabs your heart, yet making you feel warm when you think of the story that has inspired this composer to write so beautifully. A true piece of music mastery!

Purchase this CD! And if not found on Amazon, find it elsewhere and add it to your collection! Thank you for reading and I hope that this tribute to PFC Chance Phelps and the music from the production will touch your heart. I know they have touched mine, and I too, "miss him".

Semper Fi.



JB

Quantico Marine Corps Base, VA

March 20, 2009



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