Search - David Newman :: Throw Momma From the Train

Following closely behind Intrada's release of David Newman's MALONE and BILL & TED'S BOGUS JOURNEY comes another oft-requested score by Newman: the 1987 Orion Pictures film THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN. Marking the theatrical directorial debut of Danny DeVito, and the beginning of a long collaboration with the director and composer, THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN is a loose, comedic adaptation of STRANGERS ON A TRAIN. Billy Crystal plays Larry Donner, a beleaguered creative writing teacher whose glamorous ex-wife has gotten rich and famous writing a book that was Larry's idea. Danny DeVito plays Owen, a sad man stuck at home with his monstrous, aging mother. When Owen takes Larry's writing course, he suggests that they murder each other's "problems." Criss Cross: Larry does Owen's murder, Owen does Larry's murder. Of course, things don't go as planned for Owen because Larry thinks Owen is merely joking. In keeping with the Hitchcock references, the main title offers a subtle ode to Bernard Herrmann's work, with a glissando figure for woodwinds and strings over a rich, six-note melody in an almost VERTIGO-like sound. Things move rapidly as violas and celli pick up the melody in a staccato, frenetic fashion. Newman's challenge was to create music that spoke not only to the comedy of the film, but the tragedy as well. In this, his first big studio assignment, Newman delivered a score that was both comedic and psychological at the same time. He offers strong motifs for Larry and Owen, as well as distinctive "murder" themes. His score is sinister without being diabolical, always making sure the comedy is present at the edges of each cue, reassuring us that despite the murderous themes on view, all will end well. This premiere release of the score was assembled from the original master elements and is limited to 1500 copies.