Being John Malkovich: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Soundtrack]

Carter Burwell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 14, 1999)
• Original Release Date: December 14, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Astralwerks
• ASIN: B00003G1Q0
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,884 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Amphibian [Mark Bell Mix]

2. Malkovich [Materpiece Remix]

3. Puppet Love

4. Momentary Introspection

5. You Should Know

6. Craig Plots

7. Malkovich Shrine

8. Embarcation

9. Subcon Chase

10. The Truth

11. Love on the Phone

12. Maxine Kidnapped

13. To Be John M

14. Craig's Overture

15. Allegro from Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste, Sz106

16. Lotte Makes Love

17. Monkey Memories

18. Future Vessel

19. Amphibian [Film Mix]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Writing a soundtrack for Being John Malkovich couldn't have been an easy task for Carter Burwell. How many films so freely sneak between absurdity, fantasy, and dark melancholy--often in the same scene? Thankfully, the film composer rose to the task. The music of Being John Malkovich varies from introspective simple piano solos to a snippet of Bartók, but mostly revolves around an orchestrated theme found from the start of the movie (heard in the track "Puppet Love" all the way through "Future Vessel"). There are some odd surprises, such as Björk's dreamy contribution of "Amphibian" and "Malkovich Masterpiece Remix," in which the actor reciting his name is transformed into a goofy trip-hop tune. Track 17 is an excerpt of Burwell verbally explaining a scene to his orchestra; on track 18 ("Lotte Makes Love"), we get to hear the outcome. Just like the movie, this soundtrack can be repetitive at times, but it's a perfect accompaniment to this weird and wonderful film. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A CD ALMOST AS INGENIOUS AND KOOKY AS THE FILM ITSELF, December 16, 1999

By 

Clompy (Destin, Fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being John Malkovich: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Audio CD)

When I saw this EXCELLENT film in November, I knew I loved the music. I went out to buy the soundtrack and discovered it wouldn't be released until Dec. 14! That was an ENTIRE month away! Well, I waited and finally got what I wanted. Was I happy with it? More than happy. The packaging itself is something that you rarely see. It flips open to reveal a pamphlet with a bunch of Malkovich heads on it! Then, inside, it contains about thirty to fourtyfive minutes of the script's dialogue! It's the weirdest thing I've seen! Getting to the CD, there are a handful of good ones. Namely the hysterical (if you've seen the movie) "Malkovich Masterpiece Remix". That's crazy and cool! Bartok's "Allegro" is a neat piece and Carter Burwell's score is really moody and interesting (though quite repetitive). Each track sounds very similar, just with a different name. But still, the soundtrack is very innovative and strange. ALSO, you can see visuals on the CD when you put it into your computer.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars B j ö r K, July 5, 2000

By 

AfSucSker - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being John Malkovich: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Audio CD)

I bought this mainly because it included the first new Björk material in a long time. "Amphibian" is one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard. It uses piano washes that slowly evolve with the sparse bass line while Björk's vocals seem loop and evolve as well. If this is a sign of what's to come from Björk, then her new album will be breathtaking. I just wish I could find some more music that is in the same vein as "Amphibian"...if you know of something, e-mail me([e-mail]). Also, the symphonic music by Carter is amazing, and it flows so well that you won't even notice what track you're on. Contrary to some people whining that Björk or the "Malkovich Masterpiece" flaw this album, they actually flow together amazingly and the album works very well as a whole. Listen to it from start to finish!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It was a Malkovich Masterpiece, January 5, 2000

By 

Ted Kanailf (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being John Malkovich: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Audio CD)

I thought this cd was fantastic. I mean, I loved the movie, but the cd is even better. I especially liked the Malkovich Masterpiece Re-Mix done by Mario C and Spike Jonze. It sounds like they took the original song from the movie and sprinkled a little gold on top. I also loved the Bjork song. She has such a big voice for such a tiny person. Carter Burwell's score was great too. Keep your kids safe from Hollywood, buy this CD.