Scent of a Woman
Thomas Newman
" The History of My Scent", by Thomas Newman "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
Scent of a Woman is without any doubt Martin Brest's best film. Beverly Hills Cop and Midnight Run might receive positive word of mouth as well, there's something about Scent of a Woman that just spells out classic. And that something is Al Pacino's award winning performance as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade. What can you say about a performance that hasn't already been said? Inspiring, bold, flamboyant, charismatic, spine tingling. Al Pacino gives the slow pace of the movie a reason, so that we can admire his performance again and again. And along with it, Thomas Newman goes out for full flamboyant movie music.
An inspiring take on the main theme in "Main Title" already depicts us that we have a potential winner in our hands. It soon moves towards the other traditional Thomas Newman trademark. That one of sparkling expressiveness towards the eclectic. It's performance in "Main Title", "Balloons", "Witnesses" and "Assembly" is only overshadowed by an even bolder (and dare I say catchy) jubilant expressiveness in "Tract House Ginch" and "The Oakroom", stunning moments in the movie for sure.
The soft piano music in "A Tour of Pleasures" and "Long Gray Line", the beautiful dramatic tones of "45 in 25" (I just adore that inspiring second part) and "Park Ave.", the wonderful main theme versions in "Beyond Danger" (soft) and "Fleurs de Rocaille" (bold), Thomas Newman leaves no moment uninspired.
But there's a downside to the whole story too. As the film progresses, we come to realize that Frank Slade carries a burden with him as well. A massive weight he wants to get rid off after his tour of pleasures. It's hinted by the heavy moody atmospheric music in "Cigars Part Two" and "Other Plans" (definitely the heaviest of the 2).
Luckily enough we close the score in true style. Namely with an inspiring speech, a happy ending, and a bold Thomas Newman. His heroic main theme performance in "Fleurs de Rocaille" and the beautiful "End Title" give me enough reason to herald this as one of the best Thomas Newman scores. Not only does it enhance an already brilliant motion picture, it gives me everything I'm looking for in a dramatic feel good score. Soft melodies, moody darkness, expressive flamboyance and bold heroism. For a 30 minute listen (minus the 2 traditional pieces), Scent of a Woman really gives you everything you're looking for.
Whoo-ah
Tracklisting
1. Main Title (2.59)
2. A Tour of Pleasures (0.50)
3. Tract House Ginch (1.05) Excellent track
4. 45 in 25 (3.24) Excellent track
5. Balloons (0.54)
6. Cigars Part Two (2.31)
7. Por Una Cabeza * (2.15)
8. Long Gray Line (1.02)
9. The Oakroom (0.35)
10. Park Ave. (4.30)
11. Witnesses (1.20)
12. Beyond Danger (2.46) Excellent track
13. La Violetera ** (3.34)
14. Other Plans (2.10)
15. Assembly (2.03)
16. Fleurs de Rocaille (2.51) Excellent track
17. End Title (2.37) Excellent track
* Written by Carlos Gardel; performed by The Tango Project
** Written by Jose Padilla; performed by The Tango Project
Total Length: 37.26
An inspiring take on the main theme in "Main Title" already depicts us that we have a potential winner in our hands. It soon moves towards the other traditional Thomas Newman trademark. That one of sparkling expressiveness towards the eclectic. It's performance in "Main Title", "Balloons", "Witnesses" and "Assembly" is only overshadowed by an even bolder (and dare I say catchy) jubilant expressiveness in "Tract House Ginch" and "The Oakroom", stunning moments in the movie for sure.
The soft piano music in "A Tour of Pleasures" and "Long Gray Line", the beautiful dramatic tones of "45 in 25" (I just adore that inspiring second part) and "Park Ave.", the wonderful main theme versions in "Beyond Danger" (soft) and "Fleurs de Rocaille" (bold), Thomas Newman leaves no moment uninspired.
But there's a downside to the whole story too. As the film progresses, we come to realize that Frank Slade carries a burden with him as well. A massive weight he wants to get rid off after his tour of pleasures. It's hinted by the heavy moody atmospheric music in "Cigars Part Two" and "Other Plans" (definitely the heaviest of the 2).
Luckily enough we close the score in true style. Namely with an inspiring speech, a happy ending, and a bold Thomas Newman. His heroic main theme performance in "Fleurs de Rocaille" and the beautiful "End Title" give me enough reason to herald this as one of the best Thomas Newman scores. Not only does it enhance an already brilliant motion picture, it gives me everything I'm looking for in a dramatic feel good score. Soft melodies, moody darkness, expressive flamboyance and bold heroism. For a 30 minute listen (minus the 2 traditional pieces), Scent of a Woman really gives you everything you're looking for.
Whoo-ah
Tracklisting
1. Main Title (2.59)
2. A Tour of Pleasures (0.50)
3. Tract House Ginch (1.05) Excellent track
4. 45 in 25 (3.24) Excellent track
5. Balloons (0.54)
6. Cigars Part Two (2.31)
7. Por Una Cabeza * (2.15)
8. Long Gray Line (1.02)
9. The Oakroom (0.35)
10. Park Ave. (4.30)
11. Witnesses (1.20)
12. Beyond Danger (2.46) Excellent track
13. La Violetera ** (3.34)
14. Other Plans (2.10)
15. Assembly (2.03)
16. Fleurs de Rocaille (2.51) Excellent track
17. End Title (2.37) Excellent track
* Written by Carlos Gardel; performed by The Tango Project
** Written by Jose Padilla; performed by The Tango Project
Total Length: 37.26