Customer Reviews

A Very Long Engagement [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

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

 

 

Badalamenti composed scores for all of David Lynch's movies since BLUE VELVET, but when I heard the score of this movie, I was amazed. This is a very different side of Badalamenti, reminding me at times of Hans Zimmer's superb, mournful, doom-laden score for THE THIN RED LINE. Both the score and this album are uncompromising ... no light-hearted moments, no dances or pop tunes, just sheer orchestral power evoking the profound, horrific impact of the First World War and what it did to the consciousness and conscience of a country. I ordered this CD the day after I saw the film, and as I've been listening to it, the power of the film has kept coming back to me, and growing.

The most amazing thing about the score is its ability to capture the sense that is present throughout both the novel and the film, that, through all this doom and deception and depression and despair, what really wins out is hope. But unlike so many phony "uplifting" endings, this film's ending, like that of the novel it is based on, is the real thing, honest, bittersweet, never really joyful, just satisfying. And that sense of triumph and rightness are present in every note of Badalamenti's most remarkable score.

Nonesuch Records presents "Very Long Engagement", the score by composer Angelo Badalamenti...born 3/22/1937 Brooklyn New York, has the rare gift of capturing the essence of a film through his music...he can reach out a touch the audience with this World War I Jean-Pierre Jeunet film from Sebastian Japrisot's era novel...just sit back and behold this directors character and incident development with Badalamenti's magical score.

The film is well over two hours, yet it holds the interest with several plots with voice over narration...the film will draw you in as Badalamenti's music takes you to places and times before you were born and lays them before you...his musical brilliance will mesmerize and entertain you with a sweet after taste.

Angelo's score is very different from his previous outings "The Straight Story"[1999] and "Mulholland Drive"[2001] both nominated for best original scores by the Golden Globe people...but better known for his "Twin Peaks" themes that are still popular even today..."Very Long Engagement", has created individual melodies within a melody...french horns, strings and choral cues are moody and at times powerful...his talent can quench the thirst of many a "film-score-buff".

One can hardly pick a stand out, entire score draws on slow tempos with blends of original sentiment during that time in World War I history..."HEARTBEAT TO A GUNSHOT" and "KISSING THROUGH THE GLASS", gorgeous melodies and arrangements with tender loving care prevail...orchestration serves up a serenely unforgettable performance...every cue sneaks into your head and you're loving every minute of it...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 44:45 pm 13 Tracks ~ Nonesuch 79880 ~ (12/07/2004)

As a collector of many moive score over the past 10 years, I have found only a very few that I never get tired of hearing. This is one of the few.

The music, while emotional, is not overly sentemetal, or sappy. The music has several themes that you will be humming for days after listening. The music has a truly haunting feeling in parts, aswell as a feeling of joy.

I would strongly recomend this CD to anyone who has a love of beautiful music, or simply enjoy music that will enrich the soul.

Its one of the best scores I have heard in a long time. Wonderful. Fits the mood and tension of the film well. Just saw the movie for the 2nd time, still shattering and heartbreaking.

I am a longtime Badalamenti fan, from his TWIN PEAKS days. Had not seen the movie yet decided to try this score since I trust his haunting music.
This is one of the best soundtracks I have ever listened to!

Not only it is moody, easy listening and, at the same time, soothing without turning to yawning - it is a great driving music to!

I would have to agree with another reveue that used the word in the description of the movie. As you listen, scenes from the movie come back. I picked up the movie, taking a chance, from Daedalis and wasn't disappointed. I have since bought a back up copy and this CD . I also bought a hardback copy of the book from an Amazon vendor, which arrived in a very timely manner and have since started to read.

I am a longtime Badalamenti fan, from his TWIN PEAKS days. Had not seen the movie, yet decided to try this score since I trust his haunting music.
This is one of the best soundtracks I have ever listened to!

Not only it is moody, easy listening and, at the same time, soothing without turning to yawning - it is a great driving music to!