Customer Reviews

Benny & Joon: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Great soundtrack; minor correction: The song "Have a Little Faith in Me" in the movie is the version written and performed by John Hiatt. (check out the soundtrack information for the movie at imdb.com.)

Rachel Portman has a knack for creating themes that tie perfectly with the characters. This soundtrack is flavored beautifully with the innocence and whimsy of the title characters, and I find myself able to easily recall moments of the film in her memorable tone poems of the included scenes. As for "stand alone" quality, this soundtrack is best for those who regularly listen to and appreciate film scores as opposed to soundtrack compilations. Portman's best stand-alone score for me is still "Chocolat," which not only conjures up the moods and flavors of the story, but also is a collection of very fun and interesting pieces that I could listen to even if I hadn't seen the movie.

If you're more a fan of the songs that were borrowed for the film, then you should buy the works of those included artists. If, however, you are looking for a score from one of our most gifted film composers, "Benny and Joon" will not disappoint.

I haven't seen the movie, so cannot relate on how this music fares to the film. But I think this album is terrific. The music is fun and creates a nice atmosphere. It makes me think of a circus or a fun fair. I originally bought it for the song "I'm gonna be (500 miles)" by The Proclaimers as I loved that song and at the time, couldn't find the album by them that it was featured on, so I bought this. And I am glad I did. It's wonderful. Track #5, "Hubcaps", although short, makes me also think of Charlie Chaplin. This album is fun and a treat to listen to. Rachel Portman is a fine composer.

I'd say this is up there with Yann Tiersen's score for 'Amelie' for making you taste, smell and feel the world the director has created. Rachel Portman's score is magical. (She's such a versatile composer - The Joy Luck Club, Chocolat, Emma.) I've listened to this frequently for YEARS. How many soundtracks can you say that about? How do you write a love theme that helps us fall in love with people who make grilled cheese with an iron, and cereal with a blender while wearing a snorkel? It's not generic, or saccharine, but very specifically the musical counterpart of the characters that I love so much from the movie - quirky and a little sad, but also really valuable and beautiful. In the movie, there's this feeling, by the pond behind the house, and in the park where Sam reveals his Buster Keaton talents, that it's early summer and it's just rained. I can also feel that from the music, which is pretty strange. It also helps me feel what it's like to look around Joon's studio, or to walk around the streets of Spokane. I can't imagine the movie without this score.

This is a whimsical little album that's fun if you have no expectations. But, it is missing the best song from the movie, "Have a Little Faith in Me." If you're desperately trying to get your hands on that amazing song, it's by Delbert McClinton.

Usually I won't buy the soundtrack album to a comedy, even if I do enjoy the movie. I tend to think that a lot of comedy music tends to sound about as juvenile as the antics of the film (although that's probably the whole point). This is not the case with Benny & Joon, though. Portman's score is quite enjoyable to listen to by itself. especially her theme for Sam's (Johnny Depp) wackiness. "I'm Gonna Be(500 Miles)" by the Proclaimers is an added bonus.

I consider the Benny and Joon soundtrack to be quite charming. The flowing oboe through songs like "Benny and Joon" and "Snorkel Mask" give an upbeat feel to the music. This is the perfect type of CD to play when you are feeling tired and down, the songs have a calm feel, but still quite happy. This music reminds me of Mr. Holland's Opus type music. There is also a joyful break in the midst of all the songs without singers with the song, "I'm Gonna Be", a well known song with a good beat by the Proclaimers. A perfect CD to listen to while being outside on a sunny summer day. A sure way to get your foot tapping and change a sad mood into a better one with the catchy parts to all the songs.

The music alone isn't something I'd listen to, but this soundtrack does set a light mood to "Benny & Joon," a touching romantic comedy about mental illness. The song titles themselves pinpoint certain scenes, so if you've seen the movie, you'll more than likely be able to picture the scenes better--though you may need either a good ear or memory, because a lot of the songs sound the same.

The majority of songs on here are innocent and bright, and, like one reviewer before me mentioned, most of it sounds like circus music. There are some good slower, more thoughtful tracks thrown in as well, like "Joon's Medicine" (#4), "Sam's New Home/Raisins" (#6), "Love Theme" (#9), and "On the Bus" (#11). However, as I said before, a lot of the songs sound the same. They just seem to be slightly different variations of the same tune, played over and over. It almost sounded like this CD was either skipping or on continuous loop.

As a few other reviewers pointed out, there are a few vocal songs missing that played during the movie, like the Temple of the Dog song Sam (Johnny Depp) was listening to while cleaning the house. The only vocal song on this soundtrack is the popular Proclaimers hit: "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," the first track on here, though it was actually the last song in the movie. I never really liked this song, but it'll definitely attract listeners to this soundtrack who wouldn't ordinarily listen to instrumental music.

This "Soundrack" is about as faithless to the spirit of the film as it could be. This is most evident in the fact that the pivotal song from the film "Have a Little Faith in Me" has been omitted. The Proclaimers and Portman's music are indeed appreciated but do little to sooth over the omission of "Faith". Boooo

I loved the mischevious background music when I saw "Benny and Joon". When recording the soundtrack they put the Proclaimers "500 Miles" and left out Joe Cockers fabulous recording of "Can't Find My Way Home". Too bad as this is a wonderful rendition with a full orchestra. Beautiful. Anybody out there know where I can find this exact recording of this song??