American History X
Anne Dudley
" A standout score in the movie mixes emotional dark music with amazing highlights on disc "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
In 1997 we were introduced to a leading leady, namely Anne Dudley. That year she somewhat surprisingly leaned on the success of one of the year's biggest blockbusters, resulting in a somewhat odd Oscar win for The Full Monty. To this day many can't believe how several composers receive an Oscar like that, just because their music is heard in one of the films of the year. This because it doesn't seem the music matters anymore, just the project and effect in the movie. Nonetheless, as controversial that win may sound, there wasn't a better Oscar win than Anne Dudley's American History X.
The movie is an amazing and at the same time extremely disturbing film. It has that long lasting effect that good movies have, a message at the center of the story and a musical accompaniment that will send shivers down your spine. In general it is musical emotion that speaks louder than words. So for me it is downright weird that something like The Full Monty won everything while it contained nothing that made the score justifiable for an Oscar win.
Now, call American History X brilliance wrapped around bloody and dark emotional power. The score of Anne Dudley not only works inside the movie but carries some of the best tracks of the year 1998. I'm not gonna lie by saying that everything is easy to comprehend, but the meaning around the notes are what leave a lasting impression nonetheless. Already from the start do we encounter the dark ominous mood. "American History X" begins with a boys choir performing, before massive drum rolls are enrolled. They not only add a sense of disbelief but they also unleash a terrifying quality to the depth of the music. People will especially understand this if they ever saw the movie.
Yet if you know what kind of effect music can bring in a movie, then "Playing to Win" stands among the best of the absolute best. Playing for control over a basketball court by two gangs in Venice Beach was never so interesting as if it was shocking. The beginning offers us suspenseful action music before the true climax explodes, adding an unfelt power to the whole scene. Trust me, I was blown away by it, and you will be too.
Perhaps one of the slightly less stimulating moments has to be "A Stranger at my Table", but it's no less brilliant in its construction. The music adds weight to the already powerful essence of the words. The disturbing "Raiders" adds another musical winner to the list. Menacing strings and brass work their asses off. Furthermore "We are not Enemies" is beautiful dark music while a perfect match of orchestra and choir are reunited in "Benedictus".
Anne Dudley's score isn't new, but the quality of her work is nonetheless surprising. Not many people would have figured out that Dudley could alternate her style from The Full Monty to American History X with that kind of depth. Because this is a deeply emotional and dark listen. But do not be concerned if this will affect the listening experience. Schindler’s List was no picnic either, but it totally worked on disc. Sadly American History X didn't receive the luxury to receive a nomination for its amazing effect on and off screen. Of course you don't have to tell me that this is curious, if you consider what The Full Monty and American History X provide of musical material. If deeply moving and darker material is your thing, if music with a meaning is but a thing that intrigues you, then American History X will be worthy of your attention.
Tracklisting
1. American History X (4.50)
2. The Assignment (2.38)
3. Venice Beach (1.30)
4. Playing to Win (3.52) Excellent track
5. People Look at me And See my Brother (1.42)
6. If I Had Testified (4.06)
7. A Stranger at my Table (3.34)
8. Putting up a Flag (2.08)
9. Raiders (3.02) Excellent track
10. Complications (1.41)
11. Starting to Remind Me of You (1.44)
12. The Right Questions (3.26)
13. The Path to Redemption (2.57)
14. "We Are Not Enemies" (2.08) Excellent track
15. Two Brothers (2.33)
16. Storm Clouds Gathering (2.05)
17. Benedictus (3.38) Excellent track
Total Length: 48.19
The movie is an amazing and at the same time extremely disturbing film. It has that long lasting effect that good movies have, a message at the center of the story and a musical accompaniment that will send shivers down your spine. In general it is musical emotion that speaks louder than words. So for me it is downright weird that something like The Full Monty won everything while it contained nothing that made the score justifiable for an Oscar win.
Now, call American History X brilliance wrapped around bloody and dark emotional power. The score of Anne Dudley not only works inside the movie but carries some of the best tracks of the year 1998. I'm not gonna lie by saying that everything is easy to comprehend, but the meaning around the notes are what leave a lasting impression nonetheless. Already from the start do we encounter the dark ominous mood. "American History X" begins with a boys choir performing, before massive drum rolls are enrolled. They not only add a sense of disbelief but they also unleash a terrifying quality to the depth of the music. People will especially understand this if they ever saw the movie.
Yet if you know what kind of effect music can bring in a movie, then "Playing to Win" stands among the best of the absolute best. Playing for control over a basketball court by two gangs in Venice Beach was never so interesting as if it was shocking. The beginning offers us suspenseful action music before the true climax explodes, adding an unfelt power to the whole scene. Trust me, I was blown away by it, and you will be too.
Perhaps one of the slightly less stimulating moments has to be "A Stranger at my Table", but it's no less brilliant in its construction. The music adds weight to the already powerful essence of the words. The disturbing "Raiders" adds another musical winner to the list. Menacing strings and brass work their asses off. Furthermore "We are not Enemies" is beautiful dark music while a perfect match of orchestra and choir are reunited in "Benedictus".
Anne Dudley's score isn't new, but the quality of her work is nonetheless surprising. Not many people would have figured out that Dudley could alternate her style from The Full Monty to American History X with that kind of depth. Because this is a deeply emotional and dark listen. But do not be concerned if this will affect the listening experience. Schindler’s List was no picnic either, but it totally worked on disc. Sadly American History X didn't receive the luxury to receive a nomination for its amazing effect on and off screen. Of course you don't have to tell me that this is curious, if you consider what The Full Monty and American History X provide of musical material. If deeply moving and darker material is your thing, if music with a meaning is but a thing that intrigues you, then American History X will be worthy of your attention.
Tracklisting
1. American History X (4.50)
2. The Assignment (2.38)
3. Venice Beach (1.30)
4. Playing to Win (3.52) Excellent track
5. People Look at me And See my Brother (1.42)
6. If I Had Testified (4.06)
7. A Stranger at my Table (3.34)
8. Putting up a Flag (2.08)
9. Raiders (3.02) Excellent track
10. Complications (1.41)
11. Starting to Remind Me of You (1.44)
12. The Right Questions (3.26)
13. The Path to Redemption (2.57)
14. "We Are Not Enemies" (2.08) Excellent track
15. Two Brothers (2.33)
16. Storm Clouds Gathering (2.05)
17. Benedictus (3.38) Excellent track
Total Length: 48.19