Customer Reviews

A Beautiful Mind: Original Motion Picture Score

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

'A Beautiful Mind' is one of the most heartwrenching, deeply emotional and moving films that I have ever seen. To fit a film such as this, the music had to enhance and create emotions, set the mood, ultimately fine-tune the film. James Horner does just that with this deeply stirring and emotional score. 'A Beautiful Mind's' score is most defintely one of Horner's finest. Well known for his composing in films such as Academy Award Winner 'Titanic', 'Braveheart', 'Apollo 13', 'Aliens', 'The Rocketeer', 'Field of Dreams', and many more.

James Horner incorporates an exquisite blend of vocals (provided by the lovely soprano, Charlotte Church) into his music. It's simply stunning to listen too. During 'A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics', the music reaches such a high level of emotion, you are stunned and deeply moved. Themes from 'A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics' are continuously used throughout the other pieces and seamlessly blended together with other themes. Another strong theme emerges in 'The Car Chase', one of my personal favorites in this score. Below I have given my brief opinion on a few of the most memorable pieces, tough I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

~A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics~ Unforgettable and deeply moving, my favorite piece, I loved Charlottle Church's vocals. Stunning.

~Creating "Governing Dynamics"~ Resuses themes from 'A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics'. Lovely.

~Cracking the Russian codes~ More beautiful vocals from Charlottle Church.

~Nash Descends into Parcher's World~ Dark and powerful piece.

~First Drop-Off, First Kiss~ Beautiful, gentle, and inspiring.

~The Car Chase~ Excellent themes here. Intense, keeps you on your toes.

~All Love Can Be~ An intoxicating and stunningly beautiful song by Charlotte Chruch. Lyrics by WillJennings, music by James Horner.

'A Beautiful Mind' is a must-see and defintely one of the best films of 2001 and one of my favorite films of all time. As an avid movie soundtrack collector, I must say that this is one of my personal favorites. The soundtrack is just as haunting, mesmerizing, and intoxicating as the film. A must-own.

James Horner has done it again! But depending on what you think of him, that is either good or bad. For those who love Horner's soft, sensitive, and introspective scores, and don't mind the similarities between this and other Horner scores, this is a great soundtrack! But for those who despise the Horner "Self Rip-Offs", then this scoundtrack will probably incense you like none has before. Horner has taken three great scores, "Sneakers", "Searching for Bobby Fischer", and especially "Bicentennial Man", used highlights of them and added some new variations, and come up with "A Beautiful Mind". This will be fairly noticable to anybody familiar with those scores mentioned.

Now is this a soundtrack that you will want to buy? I would say that unless you are one of those who really cannot stand Horner scores that "re-use" a lot of material from other scores of his, then you will probably find this cd very beautiful and moving. I personally have anticipated this score ever since I heard Horner was going to compose thise movie. Just from the title, I knew that it would be another opportunity for Horner to do what he does best, compose heartfelt and introspective scores, that are as much felt as they are heard. Horner has mastered that genre, and pretty much monopolized it, as no other composer can even come close to doing.

"Bicentennial Man", was an amazingly deep and moving score, covering many emotions, mostly happy and a few sad. "A Beautiful Mind" is another such score, although this time around, Horner delves into another type of emotion, that of dark and confusing uncertainty. The movie deals with a genius, and the theme to represent this aspect is played to great extent at the beginning of the score, and is almost exactly the same as the "Machine Age" track from "Bicentennial Man". This theme is now brought to the forefront after it's small usage in the aforementiond score, as well as "Searching for Bobby Fischer", and is a main theme used to represent the intellectual side of the main character, Steve Nash. He is married, and has a happy life, and this is represented in the second theme, which is new, although still very Horner-like. It is a pleasant and slightly romantic theme. However, Nash is also schitzophrentic, and has a dark side. This side is well represented in the middle portion of the score, where the main themes slowly turn darker and more foreboding, and the introspective side of the score conveys the feeling of somebody who has gotten lost in despair and is searching for a way out. However, all this is done in such a way that is not a bad listen. In fact, a complete listening of the cd will flow very smoothly from one stage of Nash's life to another. Towards the latter third of the cd, the tracks come back to the more positive nature, and present hope for the future. The closing track does a good job of showcasing all these sides of Nash in a nutshell, including a brief period of the dark score, to remind us that while Nash's life has turned better again, he is still haunted by his dark side from time to time.

Something new Horner has brought to this soundtrack as well, is the use of renowned soprano Charlotte Church. She does all the vocals in the score, and is excellent. Her vocals really help set the mood as well, and present a picture of the soaring accomplishments of Nash, sort of saying "The sky's the limit" for his capacity. Church also adds a song near the end up the cd which is very melencholy and flows with the score very well. But her vocals are really the highlight of her contributions to this album.

So in closing, I say again that if you didn't like "Bicentennial Man", don't touch this one with a ten foot pole. However, if you like a very beautiful, yet introspective score, and don't mind "Hornerisms", then this will be a prized addition to your colection. I know it sure is to mine!

P.S. If you are a fan of Charlotte Church's music, but don't normally listen to soundtracks, this may still be one for you to check out, as her voice is put to great use here.

They took some liberties with the story the drama was well done and apparently was satisfactory to the Nash's. At first I was infuriated because the scenes with the CIA agent seemed so real that you thought Howard was suggesting that some of Nash's illusions were real. But far into the story you learn that the best friend character and the CIA agent are imaginary.
Very good actimg by Russell Crowe. This is enjoyable even for those who don't have an interest in mathematics. I took my children (10 and 12) and they enjoyed it also with the help of some adult explanations. The music was excellent also.

First off, I'd recommend seeing the movie before you get the soundtrack. It's not a necessity, but it helps you understand the music a bit better, and on some tracks (especially ones like Cracking the Russian Codes) are a lot more fun to listen to when you know what's going on in the movie.

I don't want to gush, but I'd have to say this is some of the most beautiful and deeply felt soundtrack/orchestral music I have heard in many years, and has taken its place among my favorite discs. Horner has a rare gift: Not only can he write heart-wrenchingly beautiful melodies, he can simultaneously say volumes with orchestration, and he weaves the two together with a skill that seems unreal for his relatively young age.

For those new to Horner, he works almost entirely in the orchestral realm, although he is not above using guitars and drumsets. However, his music doesn't sound "classical" -- his rhythms and melodies are decidedly modern. This disc is a little more mellow than some of his other works (the Perfect Storm soundtrack, for instance), and for good reason -- the film is quietly emotional, and Horner's score goes well with it.

The main theme is simple (I'm a pianist and I worked out a rough transcription -- just a few chords) but hauntingly beautiful and sorrowful. The Amazon reviewer claims that Horner doesn't repeat himself too much on this CD, but I must admit that, as beautiful as the melody is, it's used quite a bit. Be prepared. I didn't get sick of it, but you might.

Other nits: I also thought that the lyrics on the theme song were a bit too contrived -- it seems painfully obvious that they were written as an afterthought to the music, which would be a disaster if the music weren't from Horner and the singer wasn't Charlotte Church. She sings clearly, innocently, and her melodies blend with Horner's in wonderful ways.

Sound quality on this disc is wonderful. There are some neat enhanced-CD bonus features too -- the coolest of which are a short video interview with James Horner and a trailer for the film. Those, on top of the over 70 minutes of audio, make this one packed disc.

There's a huge range of emotion on this CD; there are sparkly exciting parts (mostly in the first few tracks) and more brooding and slow parts (mostly later on), but altogether, I can't think of a good excuse not to give this CD 5 stars. It's beautiful, and it's one of Horner's best.

Horner puts together a very emotional and heartfelt score in "A Beautiful Mind". I am a big fan of Horner and feel that he is one of the most talented composers in Hollywood today. He has a distinct style to all of his scores that just says: James Horner. His use of orchestra and captivating themes helps you to respect his great talent and his love for making great movie music.
Horner's choice to use the haunting voice of Charlotte Church was a very clever one that uplifts and puts emotional tenderness into the whole score. The first track titled "A Kaleidoscope Of Mathematics" uses a constant shifting of keys while using major scales and Church's Voice to make a melocholy, but uplifting theme.

Horner uses this 'mathematic' theme for about three or four cues with Church's voice before the score turns dark. "A Beautiful Mind" has two themes. It has the very beginning theme that consists of Church's voice, and than the darker theme later in the score. This is where Horner has invented some of his most original work. Its use of orchestera and that 'darker theme' (which is used in the song that Church sings in track 15) is very beautiful and almost reminds me somewhat of Horner's darker parts of "Legends Of The Fall". The chords he uses in these parts are so emotional and heartfelt that it almost brings you too tears. The melocholy song Church sings is very beautiful, and the "End Credits" sums up the whole score into one song and does a beautiful job in doing so. All in all this is one of Horner's best works. I look forward to seeing what Horner will come out with next, for he has three very powerful scores coming out this year, Windtalkers, Iris, and A Beautiful Mind. All of them that I have heard could be up for some awards. Buy this album, Horner is a great composer, and this album will be a good one to add to any Horner fan, or just any one looking to buy some great listening music. I can't wait to see the movie.

James Horner does really have a beautiful mind...This soundtrack is something else ! Yes all you Horner haters can say it loud and clear once more...some notes and passages resemble some of his previous soundtracks but I'll tell you what, it just does not matter (especially in this work which differs from all of them)...This is by far one of the most beautiful soundtracks I have heard from James Horner up to date...I knew it would be even before seeing the movie. You just know it that when he will score a movie that deals with conflicts of the inner self and emotions, it will certainly be a masterpiece. Essentially the score revolves around 3 main themes. The opening theme (representing the genius of John Nash) resembling the bicentennial man introduction theme but embellished by the voice of the talented Charlotte Church. Then you have the two more romantic themes (representing the healing of John Nash and the love of his wife)...you hear these throughout the soundtrack but mostly concentrated in the last third of the score.

The second theme (beautifully presented in track 14) represents perfectly the genius and the emotional power James Horner puts into his themes. Such a simple theme made up of only 4 notes...It is simply one of the best "theme-motifs" I have ever heard in a movie...It reaches so deep in your soul, and so vibrant at the same time you feel like crying every time you hear it. The other theme often rendered by piano is also very beautiful and it makes up for a very nice song at the end of the score sang by Charlotte Church. The middle tracks can become a little hard to listen to after a while but it does represent very well the inner demons of John Nash. All in all James Horner has done it again...even though you will always hear familiar notes or even themes, it just doesn't matter (and it has never mattered) because it always goes great with the movie...it always leaves you wanting more...and there will always be something different in all of them. Thank you for this Christmas gift James Horner, you are the best.

Despite the title of this review, this soundtrack shares none of John Nash's traits aside from brilliance.

James Horner's score is at once exciting, dramatic, haunting, dark, and beautiful. The tracks will cause a vast range of emotion to swell within you and all will keep you listening. The classical themes are very well composed, each using the instruments given to truly elaborate what feeling is meant to be displayed in the piece.

Some tracks are intruiging or moving in a simple way, making a slow pace through the piece. Some of these tend to seem repetitive or similar, but listening closely will reveal simply a similar theme in widely different tracks.

Others can be downright inspiring. While dark and brooding, "Nash Descends into Parcher's World" is very heartfelt, with deep instruments pulling along the shadowed dread of what's to come, and produces a villianous feel in a film that really has no villain. It's this negative flow that actually surges the piece forward, making it one stand out, and at the same time, flow right along with the rest of the track, despite the differences.

And unlike many movie scores, this one is able to pull itself alone without needed the recollection of the film or having scene the movie previously to truly enjoy all the scores.

By far, the most brilliant piece on this soundtrack and the one I listen to most frequently is the theme and first piece on the CD, "Kaleidoscope of Mathematics." The easy pipe and string that starts, along with the quickening piano that are all exhulted by Charlotte Church's incredible and beautiful singing. This is an amazing piece through and through, and it's probably one of the best tracks for a movie I've ever heard.

"A Beautiful Mind" is yet another incredible soundtrack by James Horner, and one that is proof of why movie soundtracks are needed as much without the movie as they are within.

-Escushion

I bought A Beautiful Mind sound track and I love it!! I find the music very calming and soothing and very very well done. James Horner has a gift for sure. This is his best yet. I love it from beginning to end. Charlette Church does the song "All Love Can Be" beautifully and the rest of the cd is beautiful as well. I think every note, every instrument is well balanced into the most beautiful music I think I have ever heard. I sense an oscar for both the soundtrack and movie. It has been nominated for 7 Golden Globe Awards and if it does not fetch at least one, then I 'll know the poles are rigged. I found the movie simply beautiful and stirring. The movie has touched on a subject that has simply been stigmatized far to long. I applaud (director)Ron Howard, actor Russell Crowe and the rest of the cast for their subperb acting skills to bring us a look into the mind of John Nash. This movie is very moving and you may consider a hanky before you go. Well worth standing in line for. If you love perfection, this is it.

The "Kaleidoscope of Mathmatics" is truly a beautiful song, and is the first song on this CD for a good reason. The remaining songs, not including the vocal "All Love Can Be," are rather hard to tell apart. This isn't exactly music you just sit and listen to, but it makes a perfect backgound to studying for an Engineering class, reading a novel, or even getting in the mood to write (I'm speaking from first hand experience). Pop the CD into your computer, and you'll find a trailer, movie stills and a number of interviews about the movie.

This is probably the best movie soundtrack I have ever heard since I love classical music myself and this is haunting and chilling but it is also beautiful and James Horner, instead of just letting you listen to the music, pulls and drags you in a great kind of way and listening to it, I get goosebumps and I kind of remind myself of John Forbes Nash Jr, he had mental problems like me and suffers depression but I am not schizophrenia(I thought I was but that's another story!!). The music is so uplifting I cried several times because it is just a masterpiece!!