Search - Reinhold Heil, Johnny Klimek :: One Hour Photo [Original Motion Picture Score]

Open your mind a little

T. C. Kida | 04/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In response to music fan from Florida, open your mind a little!

Judging from your rather ignorant review, you
a) know absolutely nothing about electronic music and are in no position to be talking about its use in the film, or anywhere for that matter
(hiphop beats? are you serious? this is the farthest thing from it!),
b) are unwilling to accept things simply as they are, and
c) have no appreciation for the way in which this soundtrack works its way into the film and under your skin, giving it so much more depth.

Yeah it's sparse, but so is Sy's whole existence, and in that respect it is a perfect match. Would you have liked to have some overt, bombastic John Williams orchestral accompaniment? I know I wouldn't. Seeing as how most of it is strings and what not, this is nothing "like the type you'd hear at some rave or trance dance gathering." Trust me. I know. Xenophobia/philia has nothing to do with it. Since most to all music out there is electronic in the sense that it is almost always manipulated post-production, there really is no grounds to be so irate. Never mind about production processes, what really matters is the emotional impact of the music and its seemless integration into the film.

One minor problem I did have was that in a couple of spots, the music brought me back to Der Krieger und die Kaiserin, also a Klimek/Heil score, but that's only from my own experience, and actually its a compliment to their resounding style.

"Throbbing techno hip-hop beats." I laugh."

A Score Fitting in Every Way

Aaron Matteson | Seattle, WA | 10/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The score to One Hour Photo is an excellent embodiment of the mood of the film. When watching the movie, we feel a mixture of sympathy and fear for the protagonist, Sy Parrish. His tragic past and friendless existence inspire empathy from the audience, but his obsession with a family whose photos he develops is unsettling and disturbing.This score portrays that very feeling -- it strikes a haunting piano and harp chorus that is sad and quietly emotional, yet chilling in other aspects.Other tracks, like "The Pursuit", are intensely orchestrated sequences of action, keeping with this theme to Robin Williams's character while simultaneously conveying a feeling of urgency and climax.My favorite tracks are "Afga Montage", "The Pursuit", and "Will Returns Home".Buy this score if you want a musical profile of a character whose life is a tragedy, but whose volatility we fear. My only complaint is that with some tracks there is a bit of uneventfulness (i.e. long expanses of uninteresting string movement), but this usually isn't a problem. I recommend this soundtrack highly."

A true and accurate review

M. Evans | Oklahoma City, OK | 10/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reading the unsubstantiated and down right idiotic reviews of some (I won't name names) I thought an honest review was in order.



I love music and I play several classical instruments and I must say this work perfectly embodies the mood and the atmosphere of the movie "One Hour Photo". I am always critical of classical works (as most people tend to be harshest on what they know best) and I would rank this work up there with pieces like "Adagio for Strings" by Barber and "Carmina Burana" by Orff.



This work is quite beautiful and can be enjoyed even by those who haven't seen the movie. As noted in a previous review it relies on subtle changes from major to minor chords thus creating an almost transcendental feel. The movie itself is one where you are left with a feeling such that you are unsure if you should feel fear or sympathy. The feeling is created almost entirely by the music.



All in all, this piece is not only great as a stand-alone work of art as it also matches perfectly with the movie to create the perfect feeling of an almost surreal eeriness. Get this CD you won't regret it."