One could say that film has unfortunately lost a part of its musical soul. Despite film initially being a purely visual medium, original scores particularly those of James Horner have engaged in a rather profound dialogue between sight and, don’t you forget it, sound. Thus, we propel forward in paying homage to a composer for the art he has created not that which he will regretfully no longer create.
Suffice it to say that James Horner’s well-known and/or Oscar-winning achievements include compositions for Titanic (1997), Aliens (1986) A Beautiful Mind (2001), Braveheart (1995), and Apollo 13 (1995). Notable films released through his collaborations with directors Ron Howard for the latter three and James Cameron for the former two. Face it. The man was dreaming with serious tune-age, going from the inner transoms of his mind and onto the big screen. However, the passionate and kind-hearted composer has had other orchestral pieces under his belt albeit lesser-known. His work on the 1985 sci-fi flick Cocoon, The Mask of Zorro (1998), The Forgotten (2004) (though well remembered in this writer’s mind), The Boy in Striped Pajamas (2008), and Apocalypto (2006) are comparatively few from an immense body of work.
So we haven’t entirely and profoundly delved into this man’s musical portfolio. But that’s the beauty of film-watching; the opportunity for re-living the film, for re-living particularly the emotional and imaginative compositions of Horner’s soul is ever-so out there. In fact, the boxing drama Southpaw starring Jake Gyllenhaal and slated to release next month gives film-goers one last opportunity to revel in the [most recent] gloriousness of James Horner’s musical language.
What better way to conclude a tribute to James Horner than with music by the man himself:
“An Unsettling Calm”, The Forgotten (2004)
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“The Games”, “Escape”, Apocalypto (2006)
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“The Ascension”, Cocoon (1985)
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“Zorro’s Theme”, The Mask of Zorro (1998)
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“A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics”, A Beautiful Mind (2001)
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Photo Credit: Wired
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