American History X [Soundtrack]
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The idea of hiring a former member of the Art of Noise to score a dramatic film about deadly racism seems as sensible as existing solely on pizza from Chuck E. Cheese. But Anne Dudley gave up on skittering electronic pop long ago (though not before doing some damage in collaboration with Frankie Goes to Hollywood). She conjured an offbeat vibe for The Crying Game, then earned an Oscar in 1997 for the score to The Full Monty. With American History X, Dudley takes her most serious turn, composing a suite of songs that reflect the foreboding, tragic plot of Tony Kaye's startling film. Using Tchaikovsky-like orchestration and a pristine boys' choir, she covers a range of emotions. A string section's squalls evoke high-pitched tension; a brass-led movement reflects sorrow and frustration; the soaring voices suggest redemption. It's a moving score, at once troubling and hopeful. --Richard Martin
American History X,Original Soundtrack,Angel Records,Film Music,Original Score,Pop,Soundtrack,Soundtracks,Soundtracks & Film Scores
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American History X
Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000DG1O Release Date: 1998-11-03 |
Tracks:
Amazon.com
The idea of hiring a former member of the Art of Noise to score a dramatic film about deadly racism seems as sensible as existing solely on pizza from Chuck E. Cheese. But Anne Dudley gave up on skittering electronic pop long ago (though not before doing some damage in collaboration with Frankie Goes to Hollywood). She conjured an offbeat vibe for The Crying Game, then earned an Oscar in 1997 for the score to The Full Monty. With American History X, Dudley takes her most serious turn, composing a suite of songs that reflect the foreboding, tragic plot of Tony Kaye's startling film. Using Tchaikovsky-like orchestration and a pristine boys' choir, she covers a range of emotions. A string section's squalls evoke high-pitched tension; a brass-led movement reflects sorrow and frustration; the soaring voices suggest redemption. It's a moving score, at once troubling and hopeful. --Richard MartinCustomer Reviews:
Hate is Baggage .......2007-05-07
Very emotional, dramatic .......2005-10-01
i liked it but..............2002-03-06
As moving as the film itself.......2002-01-13
Dudley's score most reminds of Bernard Herrmann's work for "Fahrenheit 451." Though not as animated, she brings similar pathos and tragic beauty to the compositions. There's also a touch of Howard Shore ("Silence of The Lambs," "Se7en")here and there. Where her earlier score for "The Crying Game" was more romantic, the music for "X" reflects the tragedy and sorrow of the story.
Some may find certain passages (e.g., "We Are Not Enemies") schmaltzy in a John Williams fashion. However, I'm a Williams fan. A good score communicates the director's intentions; while the images show us WHAT, the music can express WHY.
Powerful film, haunting score.......2001-03-28
Anne Dudley has composed and conducted a haunting score for this film. Her orchestral score is at times mournful, and often very beautiful. Although I think the score works better as a complement to the film than as an independent piece of musical art, I still recommend this disc to serious collectors of film music.
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