Philip Glass : The Fog of War [Import, Soundtrack]

Philip Glass (Artist), Philip Glass (Composer), Michael Riesman (Conductor) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Conductor: Michael Riesman
• Composer: Philip Glass
• Audio CD (December 2, 2003)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Soundtrack
• Label: Orange Mountain Music
• ASIN: B0000EWQ0S
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,652 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Errol Morris’ adroitly assembled documentary film "The Fog of War" examines the career of Robert S. McNamara-- United States Secretary of Defense during the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations and whose tenure includes the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crises. Combining excerpts from 26 hours of interviews with McNamara, archival footage, filmed recreations, as well as newly declassified White House recordings Morris’ filmmaking illuminates a national past that ominously parallels the contemporary political present. Morris reveals what previous biographies failed to investigate—the relationship between McNamara and the infamous United States General Curtis LeMay and their involvement in the firebombing of Tokyo—along with 67 other Japanese cities—in 1945. Errol Morris states "The easy thing to say would be McNamara is a bad guy, he did all these bad things...the story is more complex and far more interesting than I imagined. The disturbing thing is that this was a man with real ethical dimension who did something terrible."

As with music previously contributed to Morris’ films, Philip Glass’ score to "The Fog of War" effortlessly supports and enhances the film. The music, at times lyrical and at other times intense, deepens the horrifying images of war, highlighting the ambiguities of McNamara’s character—and the consequences of his actions. Glass’ music reinforces Morris’ effort to understand the difficult ethical questions about governing and power raised by "The Fog of War".

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Variations on a Theme by Glass, December 10, 2003

By 

Alex Grimley "alex grimley" (bennington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philip Glass : The Fog of War (Audio CD)

Being someone who was ecstatic with the new direction Philip Glass took with "Naqoyqatsi", I was eagerly anticipating the release of "The Fog of War". I was not disappointed with it, but I wasn't exactly satisfied either.

Of course, the main difference between this album and Glass's other works is the lack of form. The music doesn't flow as well; doesn't create a mood like some of Glass's other soundtracks. Each track runs about two minutes long; some as short as 43 seconds. With "The Hours" this wasn't a problem, but here most of the tracks sound noticeably different from the one before it.

"The Fog of War" breaks no new ground for Glass, it sounds similar to much of his older work. (Track 28, Unilateralism, is the first movement of the orchestral version of "Company.")

I think it's safe to say that this album most closely resembles "The Thin Blue Line", Glass's soundtrack for Errol Morris's excellent 1988 documentary. Again, the orchestral focus is on strings and brass, with bits of percussion thrown in here and there.

For what it's worth, this album is typical Glass (and there certainly isn't anything wrong with that), moody music that creates a scene, a picture in the listener's mind, but isn't profound or moving like "Koyaanisqatsi" or even the "Etudes", for instance.

"The Fog of War" is one for your collection, but not a necessity for people just starting a Philip Glass library.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The film was great, but the score made it outstanding., August 4, 2004

By 

Joel Munyon "Joel Munyon" (Joliet, Illinois - the poohole of America.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philip Glass : The Fog of War (Audio CD)

Ever thought about what it would be like to watch a film with no muscial score? I have and I did for this documentary. Believe me when I write this, there's no way this film would have been as good without Glass' melodic brutality looming in the background.

Glass does something wonderful with this score; he gives war, uncertainty, doubt and fear a musical element, an audible personality that captures each bomb, burnt building and ominous threat in complete perfection, leaving your ears and your mind in a state of disbelief and amazement, thinking to yourself, "Wow, that music fits this segment like a glove."

The Thin Blue Line score made me an instant Glass fan but this score made me borderline Glass fanatic.

In my opinion, he surpasses Carter Burwell in the category of most unflinching film composer.......by a long shot.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glass' dramatic score is Fog's 'secret sauce', March 21, 2004

By 

Andy Orrock (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Philip Glass : The Fog of War (Audio CD)

If you've seen Errol Morris' "The Fog of War," you know that a big part of what makes the movie click is Phillip Glass' outstanding soundtrack. Morris and Glass have worked together before and it shows. Morris' imagery (the falling dominos, the accelerating list of Japanese cities, JFK's slow-blinking visage before TV cameras) appears to be literally lifted off the screen into 3-D by the strength of Glass' score. I don't think you'll find another movie (certainly no other documentary) where the words, images and music mesh with such dramatic effect.