Pieter Boelen 1,032 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 Every few days I will post a thread on a random score from my collection that we can discuss and rate. I made a playlist on my computer with one track of each score I've got, so by using the random play option, I'll be able to post a truly random score each time. Hopefully this will allow us to discuss some scores that would otherwise never be discussed. Also we can record the rating so that we can create a full list of the ratings given to scores by JWFan.com.Today's score is Memoirs of a Geshia by John Williams. Are you familiar with it? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? How do do you think it works in the film? What are your favourite tracks?So far JWFan has rated:See Soundtrack Ratings by JWFan.com.This web page contains the ratings from all my previous polls as well as those of Blumenkohl's.Final ratings are converted to a 1-10 rating for both rating systems so that they can be compared.
Mr. Breathmask 624 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 I love the album, but I found it a bit distracting and rather overbearing in the film.4.5 stars.
publicist 4,650 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 It is delicately written and thought-out, if a bit mannered. The only weak link is the theme; it just doesn't sound as if Wiliams begged the producers to write something as slight - maybe he had stronger ones and realized they were overpowering the film.The 'Chairman' theme sounds suspiciously eastern-european. I didn't found any subtext in the film which would warrant this, are there any clues?
A24 5,027 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 Sakamoto would've been a better choice for this project.
Morlock 11 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 Maybe for a theoretical good version of the film. But Williams did a remarkable job with the film in it's current form.
Koray Savas 2,259 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 4Some great cues, but I don't hold it in such high regard as some other members.
Incanus 5,884 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 5 stars. One of my favourite of the recent JW scores. Mature, thoughtful and very beautiful. The emotional build-up of the score is well-structured and mirrors the Japanese culture in its apparent restraint under which there run all the undercurrents of emotion. Only at the end of the film Williams allows the music to fully bloom which makes it much more effective and completes the musical journey of the main character.Sayuri's theme is a relatively simple construct which is complemented cleverly by Chiyo's theme as these two are vowen together and in and out of the score during the story. A very beautiful and very emotionally resonant theme. The Chairman's Waltz is somewhat European, perhaps because the character is seen as refined and cultured (in European/Westerner fashion). At the same time full of melancholy and charm and affection it is also without much decoration. The solo line is clear and unpretentious which gives it that air of refinement and class. And there is one additional thematic element I like a lot in the score. Williams himself mentioned in an interview how the water was an important element in the film signifying the fate and the path of destiny and how the music mirrors this. This translates very vividly into music and Williams' musical constructs constantly ebb, flow and move. There is a sense of motion, of fate and of events. This can be heard on many tracks be it in smaller instrumental gestures or motivic ideas that are repeated throughout the album.
ChuckM 1 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 This is one of those scores that I'm sure is technically brilliant and all that, but let's face it, it's absolutely boring to listen to.2.5
Ollie 1,364 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 4.5 stars.A very lovely score by Williams.
indy4 160 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 3.5I used to be bored from it (aside from a few awesome cues), but each time I listen to it it really grows on me. I was tempted to give it a 4.
ChuckM 1 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 No its not."Boring" is an opinion.In my opinion it is boring.
A24 5,027 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 Maybe for a theoretical good version of the film. But Williams did a remarkable job with the film in it's current form.It's clear that at one point they had Sakamoto in mind. Oops, scratch that! That was a David Byrne track. Anyways, I don't think the score sounds Eastern enough. It sounds like John Williams in his Eastern mode.
Datameister 2,561 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 This is a tough one. I want to give it 5 stars for sheer effort...but in terms of listening experience, it's probably more like a 3 for me. I think I'll do a 3.5.
Taikomochi 1,405 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 This is one of those scores that I'm sure is technically brilliant and all that, but let's face it, it's absolutely boring to listen to.2.5How can you find "Becoming a Geisha" boring?5 Stars easy. My favorite JW ever, and since he is my favorite composer, my favorite score of all time. No scores rival it for me. I just wish there wasn't that ringing noise on the copy I bought. This is an album I can just sit down and play through, and one of the few that no one complains when I turn on(I'm the only person in my family who listens to film scores, so there's usually loathing for whatever I put on.)
Josh500 1,620 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 A clear 5.One of his recent masterpieces. This is only second to Schindler's List, IMO, as far as "dramatic scores" are concerned.
Williamsfan301 12 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 I wouldn't know. I bought the score right after my wife and I saw the movie. My wife "confiscated" the soundtrack album and I haven't seen it since. I'm assuming it must be good, or my wife would have given it back to me by now.
Ollie 1,364 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 I have a simple rule in my house, no one touches my soundtracks but me.
Henry B 51 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 Maybe for a theoretical good version of the film. But Williams did a remarkable job with the film in it's current form.It's clear that at one point they had Sakamoto in mind. Oops, scratch that! That was a David Byrne track. Anyways, I don't think the score sounds Eastern enough. It sounds like John Williams in his Eastern mode.To be fair, the film is as Western as they come. Only the sets, costumes etc. are authentic. Wasn't even the makeup Westernized?
Koray Savas 2,259 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 I have a simple rule in my house, no one touches my soundtracks but me.Don't let your kids grab a couple for their iPods?
Ollie 1,364 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 No. If my son wants something I'll burn a disc for him.
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 11,843 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 I have a simple rule in my house, no one touches my soundtracks but me.Or daddy whips out the belt!
Richard P 5,122 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 One of those Williams scores I respect but don't really enjoy much, much like Schindler's List.I like the theme, and there are some truly beautiful pieces, but the film isn't for me so like SW, the connection isn't there for most of it.3 stars.
MissPadmé 17 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 This is easy my all love favourite Williams score CD I own, I would give 6 stars, but unfortunatly thats not possible.. so 5 stars!
Williamsfan301 12 Posted January 30, 2009 Posted January 30, 2009 I have a simple rule in my house, no one touches my soundtracks but me.Or daddy whips out the belt!Mr. Burns: "Smithers, take off my belt"Smithers: "With pleasure, sir"
JoeinAR 1,955 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 3 stars, but I knew people here would be puking out the 5's. If Jaws and Star Wars are a 5, and Schindler's List isn't good enough to be a 5 then how can this admirable score be?
Henry B 51 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 Joey, instead of saying "I think everybody is wrong, blah blah Schindler's List isn't good enough people should always agree with me etc. etc.," you could have just said "I don't think Memoirs of a Geisha is one of Williams's best scores."
Taikomochi 1,405 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 3 stars, but I knew people here would be puking out the 5's. If Jaws and Star Wars are a 5, and Schindler's List isn't good enough to be a 5 then how can this admirable score be?Incredibly admirable. Not only is it the only album with both of the greatest soloists Williams has worked with, but it is also the only film in his career that JW has asked to score. Just let that be an example of how inspired he was when he started composing.
BurgaFlippinMan 7 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 No its not."Boring" is an opinion.In my opinion it is boring.Well, you said 'lets face it....'
Luke Skywalker 2,323 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 Joey, instead of saying "I think everybody is wrong, blah blah Schindler's List isn't good enough people should always agree with me etc. etc.," you could have just said "I don't think Memoirs of a Geisha is one of Williams's best scores."He does not think we are wrong.He KNOWS we are.
Richard P 5,122 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 Joey, instead of saying "I think everybody is wrong, blah blah Schindler's List isn't good enough people should always agree with me etc. etc.," you could have just said "I don't think Memoirs of a Geisha is one of Williams's best scores."Because Joe thinks he's right, all the time. I noticed that before the LC thread was locked, his last reply to me was 'it is a fact richuk'.If that wasn't meant to be a joke, then I clearly missed the memo that all our score opinions have to be run by him for approval first.
JoeinAR 1,955 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 Joey, instead of saying "I think everybody is wrong, blah blah Schindler's List isn't good enough people should always agree with me etc. etc.," you could have just said "I don't think Memoirs of a Geisha is one of Williams's best scores."OK! Why don't you send me a daily script about what I am to post about, and what I say! You are so easily manipulated, so many here are nothing but puppets and several of us (yeah not just me) how to pull your strings.richuk, perhaps you missed the smilie.
Richard P 5,122 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 I know you're joking most of the time, but it's still sad you feel you have to come across so abrasively.
Jim 6,174 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 You can all get f****d as far as I'm concerned!
JoeinAR 1,955 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 "I don't think Memoirs of a Geisha is one of Williams's best scores."This post is Henry Buck approved.One of Joe's best posts ever!!! HBI don't agree, but I like the way Joe says it! Luke SkywalkersWow, what a simple post by Joe, not outrageous, non abrasive, and I happen to agree, its as it the post was written by someone else! richuk
Jim 6,174 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 You just made me form man tears, you big softie you
Luke Skywalker 2,323 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 So, Joe, you are a complete different person than you make us believe?JoeinAr is not a real person, its just a made up character, to make fun of others?On the othe hand, I'm glad the real Joe enjoys scores like Schindler's List, AI, Hook and most of all Attack of the Clones.Oh, anyway, there are quite a few easily string-pulled purists here.
MSM 188 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 4 stars. The thematic material isn't that strong, but the orchestrations are marvellous. And I happen to be a great fan of the Shakuhachi.
Williamsfan301 12 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 And I happen to be a great fan of the Shakuhachi.Oh me too! I love it when they come to your table and cook the food right in front of you. The knife twirling thing they do is cool!!
MSM 188 Posted January 31, 2009 Posted January 31, 2009 And I happen to be a great fan of the Shakuhachi.Oh me too! I love it when they come to your table and cook the food right in front of you. The knife twirling thing they do is cool!!I guess you knwo what it really is, right?
Pieter Boelen 1,032 Posted January 31, 2009 Author Posted January 31, 2009 The good parts are very good, especially the end credits, but many tracks don't really interest me that much.One day I'll give it a better listen, but for now it'll be 4 stars.
Williamsfan301 12 Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 And I happen to be a great fan of the Shakuhachi.Oh me too! I love it when they come to your table and cook the food right in front of you. The knife twirling thing they do is cool!!I guess you knwo what it really is, right? Yes I do
Jay 45,201 Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Did anybody ever notice that Sayuri's Theme starts off exactly like Shore's Gondor theme?
MSM 188 Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Did anybody ever notice that Sayuri's Theme starts off exactly like Shore's Gondor theme?If that is the case, than Shore has stolen it.
Williamsfan301 12 Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Did anybody ever notice that Sayuri's Theme starts off exactly like Shore's Gondor theme?If that is the case, than Shore has stolen it.He better give it back!
indy4 160 Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 FotR came out before MoaG, so if anything JW is the thief.
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