Incredible Soundtrack #4: The Village (Newton Howard)

The music attached to a film creates the environment, I believe, moreso than the literal environment depicted through the visuals...

James Newton-Howard could be my favourite composer. I think his scores for countless films - from Collateral and The Dark Knight (with Hans Zimmer) through to his soundtracks with Shyamalan, specifically Unbreakable and Signs are definately incredible.

I have chosen his soundtrack for The Village because I do believe this score to be his best. Indeed the use of violin is prominent through the skill of Hilary Hahn. The music is sweeping and personal in equal measure and, where neccessary, it amps up the fear. The score balances the themes of the film perfectly - where on one hand, you have this traditional and peaceful society, but behind the curtain  lurks dark secrets and sinister demons...

Shockingly, The Village lost out to Finding Neverland for Best Original Score at the Academy Awards. Now, Finding Neverland ain't memorable. The soundtrack less memorable than the film.

My three tracks...

8. The Gravel Road - this track is a perfect example of that beautiful peaceful society very gradually turning more sinister.



9. Race to Resting Rock - this sweeping swell of chords features as the characters played by Brody and Dallas-Howard run down the hill. It really makes you ache for that same freedom - the freedom of space and fresh air, the freedom you felt as a child.



2. What Are You Asking Me? - A nice combination of all that is good about the score. The gentle violin repeating it's unbalanced riff whilst the orchestra swells in the background as if something is unsettling and is hidden beneath the surface.