Batman Returns
Danny Elfman
" Not as good as the first, but amazing nontheless "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
While Tim Burton's dark super hero and town didn't majestically improve in the sequel, I still consider this movie to be way better than say the next two, simply because it kept the strong elements of the first. It had Tim Burton at the wheel, Danny Elfman on the throne and Michael Keaton in the saddle, making at least the movie respectable and fairly entertaining. Now considering the score, what could the fans expect if one already received the biggest musical answer in the first one? I guess nothing of the same grandeur, but we receive a more than captivating ode to Batman nonetheless. And considering the score did receive some criticism when it came out, it is important to listen to the music and accept the way how Elfman uses those many sound effects as a way to simply elevate the wacky ideas of Tim Burton musically.
Plus, it at least shows that Elfman's music makes the point during it. However on album it at times bores or irritates you and the massive length of the score doesn't make it any easier.. But beware of the moments that do deliver the brilliance of the first one.
First of all, what would Batman be without its illustrious main theme? Well quite frankly nothing, but surprisingly it doesn't open the score immediately. No, we hear first dark tension and unnerving mood for "The Birth of a Penguin". Showing already well how Elfman wants to present the dark creatures of the night after that. Through organ, choir, shrieking violins that stand for the whining of the cat (Michelle Pheiffer), or by inserting childlike twinkling melodies for the menacing child that is the Penguin (Danny DeVito). They all make numerous entrances during the score. This of course to the annoyance of some, but for the many as well that hear it effectively enhance the picture throughout.
If we speak of better moments, be ready for the amazing fanfare in "Batman vs. the Circus", followed by (you've guessed it) circus tones. For the rest each track has something amazing to offer, whether creative and powerful action music (like 9 and 13/14) or dark and powerful fanfares ("The Final Confrontation"). And luckily "End Credits" recapitulates the themes of the entire movie. The song at the end 'Face to Face' is clever and fitting as well (not a complete surprise considering Danny himself co composed the music).
But if we must make a statement where Batman Returns does outgun Batman for once, it has to be in "The Birth Of A Penguin Part 2". Because I honestly can not think of a more powerful moment for that much beloved main theme.
That doesn't change the fact Batman Returns isn't as strong as the original classic one. It just delivers its music zanier and quirkier. Don't forget, the zanier music also stands for the characters in the film, making it in fact musical character development on itself. And while it tried to reinvent the story with the same Gothic allure of the first one, it couldn't dismiss how different the catwoman and the penguin are musically from the Joker. So, don't expect what the first delivered in abundance, and accept what Elfman gives you in return. A lot of zany diversity in a score that does deliver the powerful moments with the same gun ho Gothic manner of the first.
Tracklisting
1: The Birth of a Penguin (2.28) Excellent track
2. The Birth of a Penguin (3.09) Excellent track
3. The Lair (0.57)
4. The Lair (4.49)
5. Selina Transforms (1.11)
6. Selina Transforms (4.15)
7. The Cemetery (2.54)
8. Cat Suite (5.42)
9. Batman Vs. the Circus (2.34)
10. The Rise and Fall from Grace (1.41)
11. The Rise and Fall from Grace (4.08)
12. Sore Spots (2.15)
13. Rooftops / Wild Ride (4.19)
14. Rooftops / Wild Ride (3.34)
15. The Children's Hour (1.47)
16. The Final Confrontation (5.12) Excellent track
17. The Final Confrontation (4.53) Excellent track
18. The Finale (2.40)
19. The Finale (2.19)
20. End Credits (4.41) Excellent track
21. Face to Face: The Siouxsie And The Banshees (4.17)
Total Length: 70.00
Plus, it at least shows that Elfman's music makes the point during it. However on album it at times bores or irritates you and the massive length of the score doesn't make it any easier.. But beware of the moments that do deliver the brilliance of the first one.
First of all, what would Batman be without its illustrious main theme? Well quite frankly nothing, but surprisingly it doesn't open the score immediately. No, we hear first dark tension and unnerving mood for "The Birth of a Penguin". Showing already well how Elfman wants to present the dark creatures of the night after that. Through organ, choir, shrieking violins that stand for the whining of the cat (Michelle Pheiffer), or by inserting childlike twinkling melodies for the menacing child that is the Penguin (Danny DeVito). They all make numerous entrances during the score. This of course to the annoyance of some, but for the many as well that hear it effectively enhance the picture throughout.
If we speak of better moments, be ready for the amazing fanfare in "Batman vs. the Circus", followed by (you've guessed it) circus tones. For the rest each track has something amazing to offer, whether creative and powerful action music (like 9 and 13/14) or dark and powerful fanfares ("The Final Confrontation"). And luckily "End Credits" recapitulates the themes of the entire movie. The song at the end 'Face to Face' is clever and fitting as well (not a complete surprise considering Danny himself co composed the music).
But if we must make a statement where Batman Returns does outgun Batman for once, it has to be in "The Birth Of A Penguin Part 2". Because I honestly can not think of a more powerful moment for that much beloved main theme.
That doesn't change the fact Batman Returns isn't as strong as the original classic one. It just delivers its music zanier and quirkier. Don't forget, the zanier music also stands for the characters in the film, making it in fact musical character development on itself. And while it tried to reinvent the story with the same Gothic allure of the first one, it couldn't dismiss how different the catwoman and the penguin are musically from the Joker. So, don't expect what the first delivered in abundance, and accept what Elfman gives you in return. A lot of zany diversity in a score that does deliver the powerful moments with the same gun ho Gothic manner of the first.
Tracklisting
1: The Birth of a Penguin (2.28) Excellent track
2. The Birth of a Penguin (3.09) Excellent track
3. The Lair (0.57)
4. The Lair (4.49)
5. Selina Transforms (1.11)
6. Selina Transforms (4.15)
7. The Cemetery (2.54)
8. Cat Suite (5.42)
9. Batman Vs. the Circus (2.34)
10. The Rise and Fall from Grace (1.41)
11. The Rise and Fall from Grace (4.08)
12. Sore Spots (2.15)
13. Rooftops / Wild Ride (4.19)
14. Rooftops / Wild Ride (3.34)
15. The Children's Hour (1.47)
16. The Final Confrontation (5.12) Excellent track
17. The Final Confrontation (4.53) Excellent track
18. The Finale (2.40)
19. The Finale (2.19)
20. End Credits (4.41) Excellent track
21. Face to Face: The Siouxsie And The Banshees (4.17)
Total Length: 70.00