Open Web Player
Much of Danny Elfman's most popular work comes from Tim Burton movies where he has developed a very distinctive and recognizable sound. The composer has dabbled in just about everything however, and while he is firmly established within the stories of Burton, Elfman seems quite at home within the genres of psychological thrillers and darker action films. Looking over the composer's impressive resume, you'll find films like "Red Dragon" (2002), "The Kingdom" (2007), "Dolores Claiborne" (1995) and more recently "Fifty Shades of Grey" (2015). It's through films like these that Elfman has demonstrated his versatility as a composer with equally memorable results.
This particular score is based on the best selling novel written by Paula Hawkins and while I have neither read the book nor seen the film, the blurbs concerning the story are fascinating...and a bit confusing. I think I'd like to read the novel before seeing the film as it appears to have been uniquely written and very well received by readers worldwide. I can tell you that Elfman's score compliments this idea of misinterpreted perceptions and an apparent disintegration of the mind. The composer highlights this psychological breakdown through one particular reoccurring theme that is first introduced in the cue "Something's Not Right" (track 2). A low disturbing and grinding rhythm is established through the cello, while screeching guitars and the off key notes of a piano descend slowly into something that is indeed "not right". Elfman balances this theme out nicely within the instrumentation delivering a piece that doesn't fall into just a noise pattern but instead becomes a slow stepping descent into a place where we don't wish to go. I found it to be highly symbolic of a twisted form of perception as if the reality switch in one's mind has been turned off. The theme seems to haunt throughout the score and you'll find variations of it again within cues like "Wasted" (track 8), "Uncertainty" (track 13), and "Memory" (track 18).
This theme provides a sharp contrast when compared to the opening track, "Riding the Train" (track 1) where Elfman paints a somewhat somber picture of the world passing by through the windows of the train. The composer embeds a sadness to the images that flicker by through the steady pace of the notes and you begin to sense a routine/unsatisfying existence taking shape. One of my favorite cues in the score would be "Megan" (track 3). Elfman uses some very chill electronic instrumentation creating a very dreamy piece that you'll end up wishing it were a bit longer to visit in. The composer does a great job throughout the score blending electronically produced sounds with that of a traditional orchestra. He cleverly uses the instrumentation to highlight the psychological effects that are taking place throughout thus giving each track a story of it's own rather than just become mere ambient background noise.
It's important to note that Elfman's score doesn't slap you in the face like a traumatic nightmare, but rather takes you by the hand and leads you down slowly into a dark and murky place with curiosity motivating every step. I think he does well in musically capturing a growing obsession and all the darkness that comes with it. The music is thrilling but untangles itself like a revealing mystery. The score is quite enjoyable to listen to on it's own and there is a lot of great music to appreciate here. The score closes with "The Girl on the Train - Main Titles" (track 23) with some vocal work provided by Melisa McGregor. It's a sad and somewhat peaceful tune that does seem more fitting at the end of this tale.
The score is released through Sony Classical and contains 23 tracks with a running time of 52 minutes. The CD contains a 12 page insert with photos from the film, track listings, and production/orchestra credits. Unfortunately, it's only released physically as a CDR (which has been happening a lot lately through the Sony Classical label). There is no indication of this when you pre-order months in advance and the surprise is on you when the day of delivery arrives. The CD sounds great and is designed like any other that you'd buy at a store, but I still like to know what I am getting in advance. Anyway, it's a great score by Danny Elfman and one that I recommend checking out.
Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery
The Girl on the Train Sou... has been added to your Cart
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Top reviews from other countries
Jose Cervantes
La caja viene rota.
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on September 14, 2022
Jose Cervantes
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on September 14, 2022
Viene rota la caja.
Images in this review
BlackGuitarMatty
The movie was good, but the soundtrack was great!
Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 on March 6, 2020
