The score review from below is actually from Soundtrack.Net and was represented to me as being an exclusive style scoop. My apologies to David Koran and Dan Goldwasser. Please click here to visit their site!!!
The script was wonderful, when one trombonist was playing the score he had to stop to cry at the images on the screen. It's been called the most vivid and horrifying depiction of war ever. After you see this film, you will never want to see war on this planet again. So, is it bullshit? Is it real? There have been a couple of screenings, but next to no word of mouth has come out. Rosie O'Donnell said it was too gory, well what the hell does she know. What did she want, a happy war film? Well, no normal fans have seen the film that have written in, so what do we have to go on? Well those very good scoopers over at Countdown.8i.com have come through with providing more exclusive pics and news regarding the film. There are two pics above the story filed by a scooper of theirs about the score. Wish I could get that fella to write film reviews from L.A. he sounds pretty cool, alas... Then there are two pics below his comments. Be sure to check out the Countdown site, they know their stuff...
Hello, I thought I would drop-in again and provide some further info on SPR's original score and some pics for you. The first bit is a brief score review. The reviewer reveals that the opening invasion sequence is compeletly without any music, which i've already confirmed. If any music was utilized, you would'nt have heard it anyways since the first 20 minutes can best be described as a sheet of noise, enough to give anyone shell-shock.
Composed by: John Williams
Conducted by: John Williams
Review:
by D. G. (Just in case the person doesn't want his name on AICN)
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is the story about an American soldier in World War II whose brothers had all been killed. To prevent the family line from ending, the Army decides to send in a platoon, headed by Tom Hanks, to get him out. Rumored to be one of the most graphically violent films Spielberg ever made, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN plans on showing us that war is not always like John Wayne dodging bullets and saving the day - death and destruction is part of it, no matter how shocking or horrific.
Spielberg and Williams agreed to leave the battle scenes unscored so that the audience would truly feel like they were in the battle - no music, only the screams of the men and the deafening explosions of the assault would be presented.
As such, the score had to fill in the emotional scenes. Williams wrote a piece, "Hymn to the Fallen", which is one of the most beautiful - and hauntingly tragic - pieces I've heard him written in recent years. Primarily a string piece, Williams slowly builds the feelings with the orchestra, and towards the end brings in a full choir to top the crescendo.
There is a very subtle theme to the music - a lot of it provides emotion for the scenes which they were composed for. But it was not a theme one could leave the theater humming, nor was it ever played to call attention to itself. Yet it still left a lasting impression - one of great sadness and hope. It is difficult to review a score -especially one like this - without having seen the movie for which it was written. As such, I would recommend this score - but can only imagine how powerful it truly must be when accompanied by the images for which it was written.
Speaking of 'Hymen to the Fallen', those who saw the latest trailer on television can considered themselves privileged, they have heard excerpts of it.
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Till next time.
Regards,
Countdown Spy
