LSH

Interview with Thomas Newman on Leo Maltin’s podcast: https://maltinonmovies.libsyn.com/ This was really enjoyable to listen to, and occasionally very funny. A very refreshing composer interview. The hosts aren’t just slathering him with praise… they coax some really good insights and stories out of him. Thomas is so bloody humble and speaks so articulately about his craft… it makes me admire him even more.

So Thomas’ next project is John Madden’s World War II drama Operation Mincemeat, expected early next year. They collaborated previously on The Debt and both The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films, the latter of which are some of my favourite scores from Newman in the past ten years. They really are lovely. This new project will probably have more in common with 1917 perhaps? I don’t know. Newman often disappoints but occasionally provides something spectacular. I’m not sure if the subject matter will offer much opportunity for the sort of thing we’d like to hear from him but DO look up the history of the subject matter… it’s one of the more bizarre yet successful moves from the Allies during the war that, admittedly, has been covered before but not on the big screen. Could be interesting.

Given how James described his score in that recent podcast thing, I’d bet all my money that it isn’t. Doesn’t sound like him anyway. This is my most anticipated score of the summer so I really fucking hope not.

Absolutely! Yes, John Williams wrote some of the themes, but Powell makes them his own in the way he uses them. It also features some of the best action music I’ve heard in the modern era. The complete Train Heist cue is 10 minutes of the best action music I’ve ever heard. Hands down. There are very few composers at the moment who can write extended action music that is interesting and, more importantly, melodic at the same time. James Newton Howard can do it when he feels like it but Powell exceeds in this department.

A gorgeous documentary score that I don't think I've ever seen mentioned. Very much a chill-out / ambient / world music vibe throughout. I imagine Thor would like this.

Funny you mentioned this one... I was listening to it the other day after re-watching the film, first time in many many years. Fantastic stuff. Shame Shearmur isn't or hasn't been more prolific because he's clearly very versatile. I love his score for REIGN OF FIRE... brutal dissonant stuff... the complete opposite of K-PAX.

This is a short era of Thomas Newman’s career that I absolutely adore. After his 80’s efforts but pre-Shawshank. It’s a great time. Thor will agree, I’m sure.

Sold.

I consider it to be one uninterrupted cue, essentially 'The Finale'.... and always listen to it that way.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day is his best overall film. Titanic is his most 'accomplished'. The Abyss is great, it really is, but it falls slightly short of those.

Textbook example of how to make an action film.

50 grand for a day's work? Fuck me.

This seems to get better with every listen. I've always thought that Howard is good at subtle 'layering'. You hear things you missed before. Again and again. Anyway, this is a solid 4 out of 5. Can't wait for Jungle Cruise.

I already made this joke!

I thought it was absolutely crap. Jolie's hair is inexplicably lovely though.

I'd have to go with 'The Best Of The Beatles'.

I own quite a few pairs of headphones but a family member bought me these last Christmas... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-WH-CH700N-Bluetooth-Cancelling-Headphones-Black/dp/B078VGQCZ4 Very good 'on the move' headphones when you don't want to take your expensive ones out of the house. Not the best noise cancellation but very good sound quality and comfort; I listen to film scores on them regularly and they are both crisp and deep.

Yes. I think it's a massively misunderstood film. Shame it was marketed as a straight-out horror. It's a romance story.

Film looks dreadful but it is prime material for a good boisterous, exotic - and more importantly - melodic score. I'm eagerly awaiting.

Simply put... one of the best film scores ever created. Often imitated... never bettered. In fact, with all this retrospection, you all now know it should have won the Oscar.

Good haul! I need to revisit Saving Mr. Banks, I remember some lovely stuff in that.

I wasn't too bothered about John's departure. He wrote three great scores - I was happy to see alternative takes on it musically... in the same way that the tone changed gradually throughout the series.

Almost. The "Music by John Williams" on the last one is too small.

I remember quite liking the score. As refreshing to have a non-Jablonsky score as it was refreshing to get a non-Bay film.

Wow. I really liked it! Though I will consolidate my thoughts in the relevant location, lest the thread police turn up.