Fierce Creatures
Jerry Goldsmith
" Jerry goes for safe "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
You wouldn't know it, but Fierce Creatures is a sequel (sort of) to A Fish Called Wanda, the extremely popular classic of 1988. Having the same cast, making slight references but ultimately playing different roles, Fierce Creatures tried to recreate the magic that was and still is Wanda until this day. Sadly and almost logically, Fierce Creatures never got as far as first base, and failed to gather the same praise as Wanda did back then. For the music, Jerry Goldsmith was chosen. Logical considering John du Prez' stopped somewhere around the time of the film. And Jerry was a safe bet no matter what project he worked on.
Now, safe is also the right word to use if one wants to comment on Jerry's music for Fierce Creatures. It's amusing, light, easy going but also a little safe. For the trained ear and fan of Goldsmith, Fierce Creatures will prove to be quite undemanding. Most of the cues run on a piano based melody and a funny, playful rhythm. A couple of times it even turns to light funkiness, and very rarely does sadness take over (the violin moment in "The Funeral" even reminds me of Schindler's List for some reason). Meaning the score is so easy to listen to, making the lasting impression of course all the weaker at the end of the listen.
One of the best moments comes in "The Grave", when the sad violin theme gets a funky beat as parter, and "End Credits" might sum it all up the best possible way. Brief electric guitar and a return of the themes in one pleasing design. But it is enough for the trained ear? Yes and no. No because it is one of the rare moments I feel Jerry goes for safe. This is hardly demanding and feels a bit too easy for the master. But definitely yes if you consider it's milestones ahead of today's music. At least this has themes and is thoroughly melodic from start to finish. For a Jerry Goldsmith fan, this might not be enough, but for a background listen it's just perfect 30 minute material.
Favorite Moment - The Grave (0.47 - 2.00)
Comedy meets drama, a funky bass over a dramatic theme, it's the simple things that make it worth it
Track Listing
1. Willa's Theme (2.11)
2. First Day (1.17)
3. Chores (2.18)
4. To the Zoo (2.07)
5. The Funeral (2.33)
6. Trained Seals (1.56)
7. Under Control (2.30)
8. Contact (1.28)
9. A Good Idea (2.14)
10. The Grave (2.05)
11. A Long Story (2.25)
12. You're Fired (2.08)
13. End Credits (3.36)
Total Length: 28.39
Now, safe is also the right word to use if one wants to comment on Jerry's music for Fierce Creatures. It's amusing, light, easy going but also a little safe. For the trained ear and fan of Goldsmith, Fierce Creatures will prove to be quite undemanding. Most of the cues run on a piano based melody and a funny, playful rhythm. A couple of times it even turns to light funkiness, and very rarely does sadness take over (the violin moment in "The Funeral" even reminds me of Schindler's List for some reason). Meaning the score is so easy to listen to, making the lasting impression of course all the weaker at the end of the listen.
One of the best moments comes in "The Grave", when the sad violin theme gets a funky beat as parter, and "End Credits" might sum it all up the best possible way. Brief electric guitar and a return of the themes in one pleasing design. But it is enough for the trained ear? Yes and no. No because it is one of the rare moments I feel Jerry goes for safe. This is hardly demanding and feels a bit too easy for the master. But definitely yes if you consider it's milestones ahead of today's music. At least this has themes and is thoroughly melodic from start to finish. For a Jerry Goldsmith fan, this might not be enough, but for a background listen it's just perfect 30 minute material.
Favorite Moment - The Grave (0.47 - 2.00)
Comedy meets drama, a funky bass over a dramatic theme, it's the simple things that make it worth it
Track Listing
1. Willa's Theme (2.11)
2. First Day (1.17)
3. Chores (2.18)
4. To the Zoo (2.07)
5. The Funeral (2.33)
6. Trained Seals (1.56)
7. Under Control (2.30)
8. Contact (1.28)
9. A Good Idea (2.14)
10. The Grave (2.05)
11. A Long Story (2.25)
12. You're Fired (2.08)
13. End Credits (3.36)
Total Length: 28.39