Beautiful...so beautiful
Snorre Smari Mathiesen | Norway | 01/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Chaplin had been alive and in good health when CHAPLIN was released (which, of course, would have been nearly impossible, but let's use the imagniation) I would assume that he would have said something like this about it: "There are plenty of factual errors in this movie, you know. For the first thing, [...], and another, [...], and probably most important, [...]. Honestly, I don't like this movie. However, it had a wonderful, wonderful score by John Barry. I would appreciate if he composed some music to some of my less important films, like those from the Mutual-period.*" (*CHAPLIN was overall not a bad movie in my opinion, but it is probable that Chaplin would have said so simply because another man portrayed him in it. And, the Mutual-films were not "less important films," they were wonderful, but that's what the master himself reportedly said about several of them.)
If I am right, I agree with the last sentence. The music is so beautiful. Very sad, yet optimistic and sometimes even funny. I finally bought it on CD last month. Previously, I used to wind my video tape of the film just to see the scenes with the music I love most -- like The Discovering of The Tramp, Chaplin's Studio Opening and, of course, Chaplin Main Theme. When I had done so for two years or so (sometimes twice a day) the video tape was so worn that I had to get another one. Robert Downey Jr.'s modern interpretation of Chaplin's classic song SMILE is another treat.
It is so beautiful. This is of course one of dozens of films to which Barry has added music, and although every one of them is beautiful (he even made the so-so re-make of King Kong from 1976 into a worthwhile film because of its music), this must be the very best of his work.
Beautiful ... wonderful!"
Barry Captures Chaplin
Daniel G. Berk | West Bloomfield, Michigan | 04/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, John Barry has written a film score that captures the essence of the film for which it is created. Listening to the CD recapitulates the emotions which were generated by seeing the film. As is his wont, Barry manages to meld his music to the film to virtual perfection. But again, as always, the music is beautiful enough to stand on its own."
Chaplin would be proud!
Mr. Limpet | The Matrix | 05/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With John Barry's great style, this by far one of his greatest pieces. It has a great emotional "Main Theme," two very lively "Roll Dance" pieces, and the rest could be moody to some, but I think it's just Barry's dang good stlye."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
