Soundtrack Review: A Single Man (2010)

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Movie Soundtrack Review: This is a review of the motion picture score A Single Man by Abel Korzeniowski & Shigeru Umebayashi.

“This is the type of score that can make you fall in love with film music.”

A Single Man, starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore is the story of a man (Colin Firth) who loses everything when his partner suddenly dies. His world  is turned upside down and in this set-up there lies the potential for a powerful movie and performance (which it is). The movie is based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood and directed by noted fashion designer Tom Ford. It has already been tipped for awards, although while nominated 3 times for the Golden Globes, including Best Score, it didn’t win a single one. The score is written by Abel Korzeniowski with additional score by Shigeru Umebyashi.

Track List

01. Stillness of the Mind (*****)
02. Drowning (****)
03. Snow (*****)
04. Becoming George (*****)
05. George’s Waltz (1) (by Shigeru Umebayashi) (****)
06. Daydreams (*****)
07. Mescaline (*****)
08. Going Somewhere (*****)
09. A Variation on Scotty Tails Madeline (by Shigeru Umebayashi) (****)
10. Carlos (by Shigeru Umebayashi) (*****)
15. Swimming (*****)
16. And Just Like That (*****)
17. George’s Waltz (2) (by Shigeru Umebayashi) (****)
18. Sunset (****)
19. Clock Tick (*****)

Let’s talk about Shigeru Umebayashi for a moment. The last time I heard from him was in 2004 with the score for the movie 2046. Of course he has been very busy since, but rarely with an English movie (last time was in 2008 with a movie called Incendiary). In my opinion, the man should definitely get to score some more English movies as I don’t get to watch too many Asian movies (not for the lack of trying). Abel Korzeniowski is probably a new name for you film music fans. This Polish composer did a handful of Polish movies from 2000 until 2006 before switching over to English movies (none which sounds familiar). He did work with Brian Reitzell on the score to 30 Days of Night. This is the first time I’ve heard a score by Abel Korszeniowski and I’m quite sure I will again, and soon.

Tears

Korzeniowski does 15 of the 19 tracks while Umebayashi does 4. Their styles aren’t that different and just listening to the score not knowing who did what can make you think it was done by only one composer. It’s a fully orchestral score and emotionally it really got to me. I was in tears several times while listening to this beautiful score. The reason it works so well is that they keep it simple and concentrate on tried and tested musical theories mixed and matched together in this score. There is a part from 1:33 on the cue ‘Daydreams’ that just made tears run down my cheek. Powerful music like this is why I love film music. It’s a beautiful theme and it’s just a 3 note motif! How can that put such powerful emotions in my mind? Whatever it is, this score is full of these moments mixing piano and strings in beautiful harmony.

From the wonderful opening cue, ‘Stillness of the Mind’ you know that this is headed for greatness. Sometimes I get fooled by the main title and the rest is not as good, not here. Almost every cue is great at some point and that is quite a feat. Korzeniowski and Umebayashi both deliver stunning performances. It’s hard to focus on just one cue especially as every cue here is worth a listen or ten. The powerful and yet simple motifs is what drives the score, and this is what I truly live for. I can go on and on about all the great moments of this score such as the powerful mix of strings from 0:28 in the cue ‘Swimming’ that is followed by a wonderful piano sequence. I guess it’s the energy of the score that I enjoy the most and the fact that it’s filled with small moments that really moves me.

Conclusion

Now this is a real find! A true gem of a score that I fear most will never listen to. This is the type of score that can make you fall in love with film music and hopefully it will be rewarded with an Oscar nomination later this year. Hollywood, please give Mr. Korzeniowski and Mr. Umebayashi more to do in 2010 as I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Grab this score!

->Get A Single Man from Amazon<-

Listen to A Single Man by Abel Korzeniowski & Shigeru Umebayashi below:

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Other articles of interest:

• Soundtrack Review: Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
• Soundtrack Review: She, A Chinese (2010)
• Soundtrack Review: Leap Year (2010)
• Soundtrack Review: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2010)
• Soundtrack Review: The Road (2010)

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