To orchestrate this semifictional account of the life of horror director James Whale, Carter Burwell attempts to capture a bit of the orchestral grandeur of Franz Waxman's original score to Whale's Bride of Frankenstein. B... more »ut although much of the music fulfills Burwell's desire to echo the movie's themes of death, desire, and loneliness in a late-19th-century Romantic manner, there is something peculiarly modern about his final execution. Instead of shrill moments of romantic agony or passionate crescendos, the layers of melancholy violins and pensive woodwinds provide textures that are relentlessly counterclimactic. While it may lack surface excitement, the score reflects the psyche of the film's main character: a gentle but jaded man who is vexed by unfulfilled desire and simply wants to die. --Joseph Lanza« less
To orchestrate this semifictional account of the life of horror director James Whale, Carter Burwell attempts to capture a bit of the orchestral grandeur of Franz Waxman's original score to Whale's Bride of Frankenstein. But although much of the music fulfills Burwell's desire to echo the movie's themes of death, desire, and loneliness in a late-19th-century Romantic manner, there is something peculiarly modern about his final execution. Instead of shrill moments of romantic agony or passionate crescendos, the layers of melancholy violins and pensive woodwinds provide textures that are relentlessly counterclimactic. While it may lack surface excitement, the score reflects the psyche of the film's main character: a gentle but jaded man who is vexed by unfulfilled desire and simply wants to die. --Joseph Lanza
A Musical Masterpiece from the Contemporary Cinema
Michael R Gates | Nampa, ID United States | 11/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carter Burwell's musical score for GODS AND MONSTERS is truly one of the most beautiful and haunting works from the contemporary cinema. It is at times soothing or melancholy, while at other times it is eerie, mysterious, and even downright spooky. The film for which it was written is, of course, Writer-Dirctor Bill Condon's somewhat controversial bio-pic that explores, using both facts and speculation, the last weeks in the life of James Whale, himself a famed film director who is probably best known for his early horror flicks like FRANKENSTEIN and THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. It is only fitting, then, that the music, much like Whale's life and career, fluctuates in both mood and timbre.Today it is well known that Whale was a homosexual, and the film GODS AND MONSTERS openly addresses this fact. Needless to say, the film itself may not appeal to those who are easily offended by obvious allusions to the gay lifestyle or its inherent practices. However, any movie buff who enjoys the films created by James Whale will certainly enjoy the musical score to GODS AND MONSTERS. In another time, Burwell's music could have easily worked for THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN or THE INVISIBLE MAN."
Sentimental and Nostalgic
KingFifty4@aol.com | Colorado | 04/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I hope it doesn't make the CD sound cheap when i say that it is Sentimental; it's truly a good thing. This music could be nothing but Sentimental. James Whale was a phenomenal character and the music fabulous Carter Burwell created to accompany his story is perfect. It waltzes over and over again stressing the importance of life with a flair. Exactly what James Whale seemed to long for in the film. A life of love and social fun."
A Touching Album
KingFifty4@aol.com | 01/25/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Beautifully melancholy. Perfect for times of quiet introspection and reflection."
Good Music for a Good Movie
Victor | Merida, Yucatan Mexico | 10/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Im very satisfy with the sound track, a very nice and comfortable music you can enjoy it and get relax."
Melancholy and beautiful
Scott Roy | Rochester, MI United States | 08/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This score is what first got me interested in Carter Burwell. After hearing this beautiful soundtrack, I began to notice what other films he had scored, ironically ones that were already favorites of mine, such as 'The Hudsucker Proxy', 'Hamlet' and 'Fargo.' The opening track is haunting and slowly builds up. There is also a lovely waltz theme that comes up throughout the CD which can be heard in the track 'Love in the Trenches'. While parts of the score are very quiet and reflective, but never brooding, other parts are brash and loud, with crashing orchestral bursts. These moments only last a short time, and soon the score resumes its subdued tone again. If you've seen the movie, the music is very effective in reminding you of particular scenes in the film. A beautiful and unique score. Just wish it was longer!"