Customer Reviews

A History of Violence [Original Score]

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

 

 

Howard Shore often does some of his most interesting work on his collaborations with David Cronenberg, but this one is particularly special, for what is arguably Cronenberg's most commercial film since "The Fly" back in 1986. With a charmingly gentle love theme that captures some sense of Americana at the same time, Shore's vocabulary continues to expand with this work, deftly bringing out the drama in action sequences (of which this film has several show-stoppers) and the intensity of a man's past encroaching onto his present. LotR fans will hear faint echoes of Shore's ability to capture dread and anxiety in his music, but it's the lighter side of the film that Shore scores with, touching on romance in ways we haven't really heard from him since "Prelude to a Kiss".

With the disappointment of his score to "King Kong" being rejected, Shore can nevertheless feel proud of this work, which shows a master craftsman effortlessly doing what he does best.

Many of us were sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear Howard Shore's score for Peter Jackson's "King Kong," but alas it was not to be; not yet anyway. Disappointment with the "King Kong" situation was in part eased by the release of the first of the extended scores from "The Lord of the Rings" that is history-making and fantastic. And for some of us there was cause to focus on Shore's earlier score for "A History of Violence," which proved to be a good move. Shore is one of the leaders of a new generation of film composers. He proved his worth with the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, but continues to impress with other films as well. His music for David Cronenberg's "A History of Violence" at once shows his versatility. It captures a certain level of Americana in key sections, and underscores drama, and well violence in ways that reminds us of the great Bernard Herrmann (particulary with "The Road"), and please note this favorable comparison is not made lightly. This is one of the best scores of the year that works well on the screen and as a soundtrack album. Well produced and packaged by New Line Records

I enjoy Howare Shore's brilliance when it comes to music and this soundtrack was a must have for my collection after I saw the movie. The quiet, subtle yet hauntingly chilling songs are yet another masterful work of art created by Shore. This CD is well worth it.

Howard Shore never ceases to amaze me scoring movie soundtracks. He is up there with the great music soundtrack composers, James Horner, Harry Gregg-Williams, the great John Williams, Alan Silvestri, the late, great John Barry and the many other past and present composers.

Howard Shore is a very talented composer. "A History of Violence" is an excellent soundtrack. The reason I am giving it only 3 stars, is because it is so similar to his own work for Lord of the Rings, it borders on criminal. The deep drums, the horns, the melodies, the high strings, all taken from his work on LOTR. I won't go into track by track specifics, but for just about every track on this soundtrack there is a very close analog in one of the three LOTR soundtracks. Of course there are a few exceptions, but this is overwhelmingly a LOTR rehash.

This is a great soundtrack, but to experience Shore's true talent, do yourself a favor and get the three LOTR soundtracks instead.

it goes from 50's "leave it to beaver happy" to some seriously down atmospheres.the music from the last scene will drop your heart through the floor.howard is a true gem!if they would only release the "spider" score now...

Howard Shore - Songs Include : Motel / Tom / Cheerleader / Diner / Hero / Run / Violence / Porch / Alone / The Staircase / The Road / Nice Gate / The Return / Ending