Search - Klaus Badelt :: The Time Machine

Badelt's "Time" Has Come!

G M. Stathis | cedar city, utah USA | 04/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most common reactions to Klaus Badelt's superb score for the "The Time Machine" is "who is this composer" or "what else has he done?" Until now, Badelt was probably best known for his association with Hans Zimmer; he added some of the music for the score to "Gladiator," for instance. The music composed for"The Time Machine" should establish Badelt as a force in film scoring all his own. This is a rich and diverse score from the sombre tones of the first cuts, especially the love theme for Emma, to the dramatic theme for time travel, to the menace of the Morlocks and their master, and the vocals representing the Eloi. The thematic material here grows from several basic themes that expand and intertwine to form a complex musical tapestry. The score is a perfect fit for the film and stands on its own as a soundtrack recording. It is one of the most pleasant musical experiences of the year. The soundtrack is handsomely packaged, note some of the photographs from the film indicate scenes that were edited out of the national release. The recording is pretty complete, however, and provides a very satisfying listen. Film and scifi buffs will no doubt make comparisons to the wonderful 1959 version of "The Time Machine" by George Pal and its notable score by Russell Garcia (still available on CD). Much as Garcia's music is an important contribution to film score lore, especially "Filby's Theme," Klaus Badelt's work is more dynamic and works better as a soundtrack recording...but why quible? It is always exciting to see new and good film music from a new source...bravo!"

A Great Score, Why Haven't We Heard More From Badelt?

G M. Stathis | 03/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've found Klaus Badelt's score for "The Time Machine" to be one of the best I've heard. The music is a perfect match to a movie which I felt was not given justice by the critics. Professor Hartdegen's theme, which is predominated by the piano and sounds right at home in early 20th century New York, matches the rather bookish character perfectly. Badelt's use of the African style vocals, woodwinds, and percussion is inspiring and appropriate for the Eloi and their culture. Of course the Morlocks, being the villains, get a pretty good theme themselves. While much of it is slow, heavy, and ominous, track 11, "Morlock Attack", is some of the most exciting music of any score I've heard. The use of vocals helps to emphasize the otherworldly nature of the underground dwellers. A quicker, brass version of Hartdegen's theme mixes with that of the Morlocks as he has an encounter with one of the more persistent members of their species.By far some of the best music is that associated with the time machine and time travel itself, although to really appreciate it one has to see the film to understand exactly what's going on and why the music works so well. As the world around Hartdegen and his time machine changes at an incredible pace the music builds, finally reaching its most dramatic heights when the Professor's quaint New York of the early 1900's rises up into an early to mid-21st century metropolis."The Time Machine" proves that Badelt is more than capable of producing a memorable score which does more than simply accompany the special effects. The music is at times inspiring, exciting, sometimes eerie, and always befitting of the movie. Why haven't we heard from Badelt before?"

Absolutely Amazing!

G M. Stathis | 03/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I saw the 2002 version of "The Time Machine" the day after it came out, I knew 5 minutes into it that I had to buy the soundtrack. When I left the theater, I rushed over to the local music store and couldn't find it. I asked the clerk where they were hiding it, and he told me it didn't come out until March 26th! I almost blew fire from my eyes, I was so mad! So I patiently wated until the 26th, then went out and bought it. All of the songs are emotionally amazing and beautifully arragned. I had never heard of Klaus Badelt before, but now his name is etched into my memory for future scores. My favorite tracks are "Bleeker Street" because the emotion is so apparent in it, along with "I Don't Belong Here," which I have deemed the main theme because it recurrs so many times. "Eloi" is also good with the ethnic music, and "Godspeed" really captures it all together. My advice is if you are an avid collector of movie soundtracks as I am, this CD should be part of your collection. Every song his wonderful to listen to, which is a rarety. Personally, I believe that a movie is made of 3 parts:
1--The Story and who wrote it: 25% The story is always important because it's the skeleton of the film. A good story will attract viewers. And more people will go to see a movie written by the man who wrote the 6th Sense than a no namer who's unheard of.
2--The Actors and how well they act: 25% Acting is an art because it has to be believeable. If the actors can do that, more power to the movie. Also, more people will go to see a film staring Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise than a bunch of no namers, just the same for the story.
3--The Music and who scores it:50% The music is the most important part of a movie. It connects those bonds between the characters and the situations. Imagine watching a movie without music. It would be pretty boring, even if the writer is good, the story is good, and the acting is good, it will not have the same impact as the it would with the music. It connects everything.With "The Time Machine," I loved the reworking of H.G. Wells' classic by his great-grandson, and Guy Pearce did a wonderful job, but Klaus Badelt really made the movie for me. This is a must buy."