Search - Thomas Newman :: Finding Nemo (An Original Soundtrack)

What happened???

Julie | Maryland USA | 09/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Oh, MAN. I love the music from this movie, especially when Nemo is watching the ocean go by when on the back of Mr. Ray. The question is, what happened? Why are the tracks only about a minute long? I was expecting some nice, sweeping score, and we get a snippet. I was sorely disappointed by that.



That being said, the snippets that are on this CD are lush, full-bodied, and outright beautiful. Just wish they were longer. (I DID enjoy "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" at the end, though.)"

Over the Ocean, Beyond the Sea

Richard Stoehr | Bremerton, WA USA | 01/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first saw "Finding Nemo" in the theatre, I wasn't yet aware just who had composed the score for the film. However, it became clear to me in the first few scenes that nobody other than Thomas Newman could have created those lush string arrangements and soft piano solos... and I couldn't have been more delighted.Thomas Newman has quickly become a favorite of mine over the past few years. His scores are highly original, and despite the fact that he composes a wide range of music for many different types of films, his style is very quickly recognizable. He always suits his music to the subject matter of the film, a choice which works perfectly for "Finding Nemo."Throughout the film, Newman's music evokes the feeling of the ocean. There is a depth to it, a vast expansiveness that accentuates the physical presence of the water of the sea. Soft, muted piano movements and strong brass themes, all layered over a rich background of strings throughout. Simply put, it's beautiful music, whether you listen to it in the film or all by itself.While evocative of the setting of the film, Newman's music for "Finding Nemo" also works powerfully on the emotional level. Each short piece seems composed specifically to enhance the feeling of a scene, and each accomplishes that goal. Sadness, joy, danger, and humor are all expressed -- sometimes one at the same time as another -- but never overstated. Unlike many composers, Newman's real talent is being able to express emotion through his music subtly, without overplaying anything. He injects the music with just the right level of emotion, and lets it simply wash over the listener, giving them room to experience the emotions the score evokes without forcing it upon them. It is a rare talent, and prevalent throughout this score.The final thing I appreciated about "Finding Nemo" was that Newman didn't approach it as "just a kids' movie." Many skilled composers seem to feel the need to simplify, or even dumb down, their themes just because a film is targeted for children. It is a trap that often makes the music suffer. Newman does not fall into that trap -- the music for "Finding Nemo" is mature and complex, and works brilliantly for the film. Newman doesn't pander to the audience, and I think that's what make the music (and the film) work so well as a whole.This is not my favorite Thomas Newman score, but it is certainly representative of why I've come to love his music so much. As in most of the films he has worked on, I come to the inescapable conclusion that any other composer would not have expressed the feeling of the film as skillfully, or moved the audience so much. The final measure of the score's success is (as it should be) how well the music merges with not only the events of the film, but the themes and the emotions of it. Newman's music for "Finding Nemo" does it all perfectly, and with astonishing grace. Simply put, this is what good movie music is all about."

The Music to the Movie.

tvtv3 | Sorento, IL United States | 12/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"FINDING NEMO is a great film, one of, if not the best, films of 2003. The movie has a great story, wonderful characters, and breath-taking animation (did you see the taste buds on the whale's tongue?). However, one cannot deny that a crucial component of this moving and enchanting film is the music. THE FINDING NEMO soundtrack is one of the best instrumental soundtracks that Disney has ever released. It is the music to the movie. The album contains 40 tracks and except for the last one (Robbie Williams' remake of Bobby Darin's classic "Beyond the Sea") and #18 ("Mt. Wannahockaloogie", which is just the fish tribe chant) all are instrumental. "Time to Let Go" has some dialogue with Dory singing the "Keep on swimming" bit, but quickly transcends into a powerful and moving piece of auditory magic. My favorite pieces on the album are:"Nemo Egg (Main Title)""News Travels""The Little Clownfish From The Reef""Swim Down""Finding Nemo""Fronds Like These""Beyond the Sea"I cried several times while watching the movie and several of the compostiions on here were powerful enough to bring back a few tears to my eyes. This is a great album for anyone who loves FINDING NEMO and anyone who loves great music."