Customer Reviews

Hollywoodland [Original Motion Picture Score]

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

 

 

I was impressed with the "Hollywoodland" score, but it left me feeling a bit empty. I was hoping that the song playing over the end credits of the film would be included in the score, but it wasn't. After track number 7, all the tracks started sounding alike. I enjoy the CD while driving home from work, as the music is very relaxing. Zarvos is a truly gifted composer, but I was expecting more out of the score.

I was interested in this film as it was about one of those (and there are many of them) mysterious deaths in Hollywood, that of George Reeves, TV's Superman, who allegedly committed suicide while in a good state of mind with a lot going for him. This created the mystery surrounding his death. While the movie got so-so reviews, the score is appropriately atmospheric and moody in a Film Noir-like way. While it is true that it can get to be a bit repetitive in its unrelenting downbeat way, the more I listen to it, the more it moves me. As the score builds, its edginess and brooding qualities stand out more and more. The score doesn't contain many climaxes or thrills, just kind of a sinister, uneasy paranoia similar to the scores to "The Lake House" by Rachel Portman or "Where the Truth Lies" by Mychael Dynna.

I have not been previously familiar with Marcelo Zarvos, but plan to look for other works by him, as he clearly has a keen grasp of music in a minor key, which may not be too relaxing to listen to but is compelling and fascinating nonetheless.

I have listened to this score many times from the Opening title to the end, and quite frankly never have grown "tired" of it. Zarvos (the composer) captured the feel of the movie and takes you on a quiet journey. No overused percussion, slam-dunks like we hear in so many of the soundtracks today. This has it's unique style and feeling that one cannot compare with anything else.