Mystic River [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Soundtrack]

Various Artists (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: Various Artists
• Audio CD (October 21, 2003)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B0000DBK8C
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,455 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

He's been an international movie star icon, successful producer, acclaimed director, and fervent jazz revivalist. But after years of cinemusic flirtations, Clint Eastwood finally adds "film scorer" to his already burgeoning resume. Those familiar with his jazz affections and a laconic keyboard approach that seems to echo his very acting style won't be surprised by the elegantly moody "Main Title" he's composed for this character-driven drama. But the autumnal, minimalist, and post-modern influenced orchestral cues (performed with sympathetic grace by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Tanglewood Festival Chorus) Eastwood offers elsewhere here are yet another forceful example of an artist who's typically used his mainstream successes to leverage new creative challenges for himself. Kyle Eastwood (the film legend's son) offers up a jazzy coda to his father's bittersweet orchestral portrait with the playful, R&B bump of "Cosmo" and soulful "Black Emerald Blues." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Haunting And Mournful Music score, January 29, 2004

By 

Michael P. O'Farrell (Albany, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mystic River [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Audio CD)

Clint Eastwood's score to "Mystic River" is a first rate accomplishment and music that stands alone without the film. It's main theme, a mournful dirge that repeats itself in different variations throughout the film, seems repetitious at first. But as the story unfolds that main theme becomes a powerful reminder of past sins and regrets for several characters in Brian Helgeland's screenplay adaptation of Denis Lehane's novel. Eastwood's film misses being great by a wide margin but it is an ambitious effort that features some spectacular acting. The music score contributes immeasurably to the sometimes implausible drama.

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of those movie themes you'll remember for years., April 3, 2004

By 

Christian Alcocer (DF, DF Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mystic River [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Audio CD)

So you saw the movie and you are thinking about getting the soundtrack...

I had the opposite experience of the previous reviewer. This is weird cause I'm a musician too. And a clasically trained one.

I go to the movies at least once per week and it seldon happens to me that while (or just after) watching the movie, I tell myself "I have to get this soundtrack". Well, it happened to me with Eastwood's movie. While watching it, I kept telling myself "remember to get this CD". Imagine my surprise when I saw that Eastwood had composed the main theme.

If you are thinking about getting this CD...well...just do it. It's one of those nice simple (minimalistic, yes) tunes you'll be proud of having in your collection.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Escape from the Wolves..., June 14, 2004

By 

Michael Crane (Orland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mystic River [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Audio CD)

The original motion picture soundtrack of "Mystic River" is a haunting and beautiful score full of happiness and sadness. It has sorrow and joy. Anger and redemption. If you've already seen the movie, then you know how effective this score can be. Composed by none other than Clint Eastwood, this makes a soothing and dark listen.

The Boston Orchestra does a marvelous job of capturing the mood and the total essence of the film. They know when to hold back and when to be forceful with their instruments. I found them to be very relaxing and full of subtle tension at the same time. There is a definite theme that can be established throughout this score, as you'll hear certain patterns through a good majority of the tracks.

As always, the people who will enjoy this the most are the people who have already seen the movie. I love to listen to scores because I get to relive the movie through them. Especially if they're something extremely memorable and hypnotic. I found this score to be both of that, although I will admit right now that it is most likely something that won't be playing non-stop in my stereo. It's nice to listen to it every now and then, though. It's just nothing that screams out to me, "Play me again! Play me again!" My favorite tracks are "abduction," "Jimmy's anguish," "orchestral variations #1 (and #2),"Dave's past," "Brendan's love of Katie," "the confrontation," "the resolution," and "the full heart."

Here's a great pointer for you potential buyers. If you have not already purchased the DVD and you are curious about the score, spend a little extra dough and buy the 3 Disc Deluxe Edition of "Mystic River." The third disc is actually the audio CD of that very score. All of the same exact tracks are included that you can find on the score that is sold separately. That's what I did, and I'm glad that I spent a little more to buy the Deluxe Edition of the film.

All in all, I think Clint Eastwood has done a great job of composing a solid score that does a great job of nailing the film's mood and tone. Again, this is mainly recommended to those who really loved the film, although people who love listening to great music composed by a great orchestra might want to check it out as well. The original motion picture soundtrack of "Mystic River" is a nice and haunting listen. -Michael Crane