|
What are the best kept secret soundtracks that deserve more attention?
|
I've been collecting film scores for about 15 years now, and I'm always hunting for those best kept secret soundtracks that somehow escaped mainstream attention. There's something special about discovering movie music that deserves more attention - it feels like finding buried treasure.
One category that's particularly rich with underrated movie musical scores is 90s independent cinema. The score for "The Secret of Roan Inish" by Mason Daring is this beautiful Celtic-inspired work that perfectly captures the magical realism of the film. Another is "The Company of Wolves" by George Fenton - it's this dark, gothic fairy tale score that's absolutely haunting.
I also think there are so many forgotten TV show themes from the 80s and 90s that were actually quite sophisticated musically. The theme from "Beauty and the Beast" (the Ron Perlman series) by Don Davis is this gorgeous romantic theme that develops beautifully throughout the series.
What are your picks for best under the radar film scores that are true hidden cinematic music gems?
Great thread! I've been thinking about The Cell" by Howard Shore. While Shore is famous for Lord of the Rings, this score is just wild and experimental in the best way. The blend of Middle Eastern influences, industrial sounds, and orchestral elements creates this unique sound world that perfectly matches the film's visual style. It's definitely one of those best kept secret soundtracks.
Another one is "The City of Lost Children" by Angelo Badalamenti. His collaboration with Jean-Pierre Jeunet produced this amazing, dreamlike score that's equal parts beautiful and unsettling. The carnival-esque quality mixed with melancholy melodies is just perfect.
Also, "Prospero's Books" by Michael Nyman. His score for this Peter Greenaway film is just incredible - the baroque-inspired minimalism creates this intellectual, theatrical atmosphere that's completely unique.
The Duellists" by Howard Blake is one that comes to mind. The period drama score is just beautifully crafted - the way it captures the Napoleonic era while adding emotional depth to the rivalry story is really well done. It's movie music that deserves more attention for its traditional craftsmanship.
Another hidden cinematic music gem is "The Company of Wolves" by George Fenton that you mentioned. I completely agree - that score is just hauntingly beautiful. The way he blends fairy tale elements with horror undertones is masterful.
Also, "The Blood of Heroes" by Todd Boekelheide. The post-apocalyptic sports film has this amazing industrial/percussive score that's just perfect for the material. The use of found objects as percussion instruments creates this unique, gritty sound world.
The Element of Crime" by Bo Holten. That score is just amazing - the minimalist, atmospheric approach perfectly matches the film's noir-ish, dystopian vibe. It's definitely one of those best under the radar film scores that creates a complete sonic world.
Another one is "The Comfort of Strangers" by Angelo Badalamenti. His score for this Harold Pinter adaptation is just brilliantly unsettling. The way he uses repetition and slight variations to create this sense of unease and impending violence is masterful.
Also, "The Reflecting Skin" by Nick Bicât. The coming-of-age horror film has this beautiful, melancholic score that contrasts perfectly with the disturbing visuals. It's underrated movie musical scores at its finest.
The Last Days of Chez Nous" by Not Drowning, Waving. The Australian film has this amazing score that blends indigenous Australian music with contemporary elements. It's definitely best kept secret soundtracks material - the cultural fusion is just beautifully done.
Another one is "The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey" by Davood A. Tabrizi. The time travel film has this amazing score that blends medieval and modern elements in really clever ways. The way the music reflects the time period shifts is just brilliant.
Also, "The Plague Dogs" by Patrick Gleeson. The animated film about laboratory escapees has this surprisingly emotional, atmospheric score that really elevates the material. It's movie music that deserves more attention for its emotional depth.
The Blood of a Poet" by Georges Auric. The early surrealist film has this amazing score that's just as experimental and dreamlike as the visuals. It's definitely hidden cinematic music gems from the early sound era.
Another one is "The Last Wave" by Charles Wain. The Australian apocalyptic film has this amazing, atmospheric score that blends didgeridoo with orchestral elements. The way it creates this sense of impending doom is just masterful.
Also, "The Devil Probably" by various artists. The French film has this amazing compilation score that blends classical music with contemporary pieces in really interesting ways. It's underrated background scores that create this intellectual, philosophical atmosphere.
|
