James Newton Howard
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It sure is!
I was fortunate to hear a suite (with the Americana fanfare) performed live at the World Soundtrack Awards in 2012. Conducted by the man himself. Here’s my shoddy, out-of-focus video from that (video expires in 2 days):
But my favourite track is unquestionably the “Main Titles” — those moody & poetic synth chords, conjuring a city waking up at dawn, before it kicks into the rhythmical bit as the hustle and bustle begins. JNH was so good (well, hopefully still is) at capturing cityscapes in his music. Those associations are not that far removed from how the cue was actually used in the film, if memory serves. It’s been a while since I saw it.
That is wonderful. And how often do you get to see a conductor doing a nice, clear, distinctive 4/4 tempo! The “moody” chords you describe add an aura of mystery and wonder while driving at night to the soundtrack. One of my favorite moments is when the Steve Martin character gazes out the window at the sunrise while laying in the hospital bed. That music/scene comes on the heels of the young lady gazing emptily at the ceiling from her apartment bed. Great segue from one to the other, both image-wise and musically.
But my favourite track is unquestionably the “Main Titles” — those moody & poetic synth chords, conjuring a city waking up at dawn, before it kicks into the rhythmical bit as the hustle and bustle begins. JNH was so good (well, hopefully still is) at capturing cityscapes in his music. Those associations are not that far removed from how the cue was actually used in the film, if memory serves. It’s been a while since I saw it.
Agreed about the main titles. Me and my mates played it so many times in the 90s.
I believe there is a basketball scene during parts of the main titles.
Yes, I do remember some street basketball. And a segue from black/white to colour? Oh well. I should watch the film again.
A few thoughts on the new FLATLINERS release here, for anyone interested.
Hello dear Thor, and all other visitors to the site!
After a long absence, I’m finally able to return here… I still love soundtracks, and I especially adore synthesizer music score.
I would like to add my two cents about the work of the talented and versatile composer James N. Howard. He is also one of my favorite composers. And one of the few whose scores I find interesting after the 2000s.
My favorites are The Fugitive, The Package, Off Limits, Primal Fear, Intersection, and Promised Land. These are the ones I listen to the most from his collection. I also like Dreamcatcher, [short score] Pretty Woman, Grand Canyon, Dying Young, Russkies, Falling Down, The Sixth Sense, Waterworld, I Am Legend, Blood Diamond, The Lookout, and Collateral.
I sometimes like to listen to Salt, Michael Clayton, The Interpreter, and Freedomland. On the other hand, I didn’t really like Diggstown (although there are some cool things on it). The same can be said about A Perfect Murder (I only listened to it twice, and it seemed to me that, given the good material that was there, James could have done even better).As for Intrada’s release of the Flatliners premiere score, it was one of my holy grails. I love every second of it. Perhaps this is also influenced by the fact that it is one of my favorite movies.
I hope that one day I will be able to afford to buy it. It’s a pity that there is no digital purchase option for it!
By the way, thank you for your review of Flatliners. I can’t say I agree with everything…)Oh, one more thing…
I would love to see the release of 8 Million Ways to Die, Marked for Death, and Head Office someday (which is obviously highly unlikely)… I especially love the first two!Good to hear from you, Ruslan. What about THE SAINT OF FORT WASHINGTON? I’d think that would be a favourite for you. It certainly is for me. Top 5.
I deliberately didn’t mention this score because, for reasons unknown to me (LOL), I still haven’t gotten around to listening to it (even though I have it). I’ll definitely listen to it in a few days, and/or even watch the film. Judging by the plot, the film seems quite interesting.
Hi Thor! I listened to ‘Saint’. What’s more, before listening to the soundtrack, I watched the film itself. I was just curious to see how much material was missing from the 1993 release. There are a couple of interesting moments – mainly variations on the main theme. It’s a pretty good score. Lots of electronics. In terms of style and presentation, it reminded me of Grand Canyon.
Thanks for the recommendation!No problem! Glad you liked it. It’s definitely related to GRAND CANYON – especially those gorgeous, introspective city landscapes that he paints so well in his music (I put SAINT above GRAND in my own estimation, but both are good). The melancholy of the city, in a way, where people may feel lost or alone, but also the beauty of it. I haven’t seen SAINT in many years, though, I should have a rewatch.
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