ak
09-02-2001, 12:11 PM
Just like the Williams/Spielberg, Williams/Lucas pairings, there seems to be a magnificent connection between Danny Elfman and Tim Burton. Both their quirkinesses seem to bounce off each other, to positively great effect.
For sure evidence, just look at the masterful work of the Batman film theme – an absolutely breath-taking theme (even better when played loud), and what is without doubt the most haunting/beautiful film score I have ever heard – the Edward Scissorhands theme.
I believe John Williams to be the greatest film composer of all time, he has created a vast majority of the most memorable music compositions of all time, and some that aren’t all that memorable, but still equally as great.
This is what I like about Elfman – he is so subtle. You may not be able to hum his themes whilst walking down the street, but that is, arguably, what he tries to achieve…..film themes don’t have to be memorable to be great.
Aside from his work with Tim Burton, he also created, what is a very memorable theme to perhaps the greatest T.V show of all time – The Simpsons.
Of late, I haven’t been overly enthusiastic for Elfman’s themes – Sleepy Hollow was a good soundtrack, but it didn’t have the classic Elfman edge, and neither did the bland Planet of the Apes – perhaps his worst work with Burton. I believe he didn’t actually find a great deal of inspiration in the film, there was hardly an emotional core to connect with, which Edward Scissorhands had, and is so blatant in the soundtrack (his best work).
Overall, I think Elfman is the second best thing in film music, and I believe he has some more great work to come. He is working on Spiderman at the moment, and that could be promising.
I have listed a small catalogue of his work above, but I was highlighting what I believe to be his pinnacle work – and that is, rather marvellous.
For sure evidence, just look at the masterful work of the Batman film theme – an absolutely breath-taking theme (even better when played loud), and what is without doubt the most haunting/beautiful film score I have ever heard – the Edward Scissorhands theme.
I believe John Williams to be the greatest film composer of all time, he has created a vast majority of the most memorable music compositions of all time, and some that aren’t all that memorable, but still equally as great.
This is what I like about Elfman – he is so subtle. You may not be able to hum his themes whilst walking down the street, but that is, arguably, what he tries to achieve…..film themes don’t have to be memorable to be great.
Aside from his work with Tim Burton, he also created, what is a very memorable theme to perhaps the greatest T.V show of all time – The Simpsons.
Of late, I haven’t been overly enthusiastic for Elfman’s themes – Sleepy Hollow was a good soundtrack, but it didn’t have the classic Elfman edge, and neither did the bland Planet of the Apes – perhaps his worst work with Burton. I believe he didn’t actually find a great deal of inspiration in the film, there was hardly an emotional core to connect with, which Edward Scissorhands had, and is so blatant in the soundtrack (his best work).
Overall, I think Elfman is the second best thing in film music, and I believe he has some more great work to come. He is working on Spiderman at the moment, and that could be promising.
I have listed a small catalogue of his work above, but I was highlighting what I believe to be his pinnacle work – and that is, rather marvellous.