Customer Reviews

Chaplin (1992 Film)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
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With John Barry's great style, this by far one of his greatest pieces. It has a great emotional "Main Theme," two very lively "Roll Dance" pieces, and the rest could be moody to some, but I think it's just Barry's dang good stlye.

Once again, John Barry has written a film score that captures the essence of the film for which it is created. Listening to the CD recapitulates the emotions which were generated by seeing the film. As is his wont, Barry manages to meld his music to the film to virtual perfection. But again, as always, the music is beautiful enough to stand on its own.

This is one of the most brilliant soundtracks of John Barry (who made many). The tension created in Chaplin by his gloomy childhood is remarkably amplified by Barry. Nostalgia and frustration litterally seep from the notes. The synergy with Attenborough's emotional moments is complete. Very powerful stuff.

I love John Barry. He ranks right up there with Hans Zimmer among my favorite movie composers. This is classic Barry--lush symphonic melodies that roll over you like a warm ocean wave at dusk. Barry scores always put me in a reflective, pensive mood. This one is no exception, and it also carries the tinge of tragedy that seemed to haunt Chaplin's silent films. The score truly enhances the film, but for me this soundtrack can stand alone just fine. In fact, my first roommate here in Seattle heard me playing this and borrowed the CD and I never saw it again. I hate to buy CDs twice, but I couldn't live without this in my CD collection. Perfect for rainy days.

If Chaplin had been alive and in good health when CHAPLIN was released (which, of course, would have been nearly impossible, but let's use the imagniation) I would assume that he would have said something like this about it: "There are plenty of factual errors in this movie, you know. For the first thing, [...], and another, [...], and probably most important, [...]. Honestly, I don't like this movie. However, it had a wonderful, wonderful score by John Barry. I would appreciate if he composed some music to some of my less important films, like those from the Mutual-period.*" (*CHAPLIN was overall not a bad movie in my opinion, but it is probable that Chaplin would have said so simply because another man portrayed him in it. And, the Mutual-films were not "less important films," they were wonderful, but that's what the master himself reportedly said about several of them.)

If I am right, I agree with the last sentence. The music is so beautiful. Very sad, yet optimistic and sometimes even funny. I finally bought it on CD last month. Previously, I used to wind my video tape of the film just to see the scenes with the music I love most -- like The Discovering of The Tramp, Chaplin's Studio Opening and, of course, Chaplin Main Theme. When I had done so for two years or so (sometimes twice a day) the video tape was so worn that I had to get another one. Robert Downey Jr.'s modern interpretation of Chaplin's classic song SMILE is another treat.

It is so beautiful. This is of course one of dozens of films to which Barry has added music, and although every one of them is beautiful (he even made the so-so re-make of King Kong from 1976 into a worthwhile film because of its music), this must be the very best of his work.

Beautiful ... wonderful!

John Barry wrote a score that deserved not just an Oscar nomination, but the Oscar itself! His passionate score is perfect and very melodic. The vocal version of "Smile" by Robert Downey Jr. is truly a definite plus. Downey does an amazing vocal job of a song that is considered Chaplin's best written song ever. This is truly a great soundtrack!

This is a delightful and a classy musical production. The different styles of the pieces evoke a broad spectrum of positive emotions, from elegant classical tracks that induce deep serenity to quaintly giddy comedic pieces in typical Charlie style. Well produced. Highly recommended.

Chaplin is impressed in all the themes. Every one has an unique, and independent soul. Good Work, John.

This soundtrack is a reflective creation of Chaplin's film career and life...John Barry has mastered a true compliment to the film and to Chaplin himself. The two merge together and form a legendary movie experience...I have not experienced that this soundtrack cannot stand alone as some soundtracks tend to do; on the contrary, listening to this in a low lighted room after a day at the office or during work - it suits either occasion!

I applaud John Barry for creating such beautiful music and hope to continue to hear his work in the future!!