I feel differently than most do about Costner's character. I remember many negative comments about it when it was released, and people still feel more or less the same about his character being unlikeable, a jerk, etc. To me, that was exactly how the character needed to be played. He is like a character out of mythology, known only as "The Mariner". He's been out there at sea by himself for who knows how long. No social skills, no sense of bonding with other beings, looking out for his own interests and survival as one would expect. When I first saw the film and realized that he was not going to be playing a typical hero, I was thrilled because then I didn't know what to expect from the rest of the story.
I finally got around to watching this on DVD last night. Despite all the negative reviews of the film (which I admit kept me away from it for years) I actually enjoyed the film , especially Dennis Hopper's over the top performance. I also enjoyed Howard's score as many mention above. What did surprise me was a short insertion of Mancini's theme from "Peter Gunn" at one point. Did that appear on the soundtrack album also, or was it just on the DVD version? I still can't figure out why they used that cue in the film. Anyone? Mike
It's a fun movie & the score works a treat. The only thing is that the Dennis Hopper character seems to have drifted in from another, madder movie. It bugs me when he takes a swig of Jack Daniels & then smashes the bottle, even the empty bottle must be worth a lot in that world (where did he get the JD from?).
I finally got around to watching this on DVD last night. Despite all the negative reviews of the film (which I admit kept me away from it for years) I actually enjoyed the film , especially Dennis Hopper's over the top performance. I also enjoyed Howard's score as many mention above. What did surprise me was a short insertion of Mancini's theme from "Peter Gunn" at one point. Did that appear on the soundtrack album also, or was it just on the DVD version? I still can't figure out why they used that cue in the film. Anyone? Mike
It's a fun movie & the score works a treat. The only thing is that the Dennis Hopper character seems to have drifted in from another, madder movie. It bugs me when he takes a swig of Jack Daniels & then smashes the bottle, even the empty bottle must be worth a lot in that world (where did he get the JD from?).
Since the tanker was the Exxon Valdez, the JD was a joking reference to Captain Joe Hazelwood who was supposedly sleeping off a drunken bender when the Valdez struck the reef that caused the oil spill in Alaska. The Coast Guard found a bottle of JD in the Captain's quarters. So maybe Joe left a big stash of JD hiddenon the ship that the Deacon found later. At some point the Deacon says "praise be to Saint Joe" or something along that line, can't remember exactly. There's even a framed picture of the good captain on the wall on either the bridge or the Deacon's quarters.
Big fan of both Howard's score and the movie. The movie may not be the best in the world but it's a fun watch, looks lovely and I thought Costner did well. I'd be interested in seeing the extended cut (extra 40 minutes) that IMDB mentions.
The score was an instant fav with a few pieces really standing out to me: Main Titles, Swimming, the Skyboat, Dryland, Mariner's Goodbye. With Swimming being the one that really stood out and got repeated listening
I finally got around to watching this on DVD last night. Despite all the negative reviews of the film (which I admit kept me away from it for years) I actually enjoyed the film , especially Dennis Hopper's over the top performance. I also enjoyed Howard's score as many mention above. What did surprise me was a short insertion of Mancini's theme from "Peter Gunn" at one point. Did that appear on the soundtrack album also, or was it just on the DVD version? I still can't figure out why they used that cue in the film. Anyone? Mike
No, it's not on the soundtrack.
If I remember correctly, it's used during a "car chase" inside the Exxon Valdez? I just thought it was a reference to BLUES BROTHERS.
I hadn't listened to this excellent score for many many years (to be honest I had forgotten it already) and was astonished about the quality of Newton-Howards Music.
Very diversified and enjoyable music with rousing action elements and careful orchestration.
Quickens the appetite to see this entertaining trash movie again.
It's remarkable by the way how composers get "motivated" to write such superb music in relation to the nonsense story line.
Anyway, this was a cordial trip to the music of this composer!
Didn't realize there was a rejected Mark Isham score, apparently rejected because it was too ethnic?
Anyone know more about this?
Yes, that is true. If I remember, there were posters for the film at the time with Isham's name on them. Anyway, this thread prompted me to give this score a listen for the first time in a few years. Its a good score, one I enjoy a lot. However, I dont think its just as good as 'Wyatt Earp', my favorite score by JNH and one of the best of the '90s. Well represented on the OST as well. Im surprised to see both these scores are now OOP!
i have it and i like a lot of it but.... there are some action cues and themes that sound an awful lot like John Williams /INDY. Temp-trackitis? programmed OUT!
This is probably my favourite JNH score cd, but I think that it doesn't work too well in the film. It seems that every action piece is THE ACTION PIECE that closes the film. Musically I mean. Too bombastic from beginning to end. Great cd but in the film it is overdone!
Indeed, I think Wyatt Earp is slightly better than Waterworld as well. By far my favorite JNH score. I wouldn't mind an expanded re-mastered re-isuse so I can snag a copy of the CD for a good price.
i have it and i like a lot of it but.... there are some action cues and themes that sound an awful lot like John Williams /INDY. Temp-trackitis? programmed OUT!
I have noticed that his action music from 1995 is very Williamsy, but somehow never noticed whether or not it was too close to Indy. Examples?
Didn't realize there was a rejected Mark Isham score, apparently rejected because it was too ethnic?
Anyone know more about this?
Yes, that is true. If I remember, there were posters for the film at the time with Isham's name on them. Anyway, this thread prompted me to give this score a listen for the first time in a few years. Its a good score, one I enjoy a lot. However, I dont think its just as good as 'Wyatt Earp', my favorite score by JNH and one of the best of the '90s. Well represented on the OST as well. Im surprised to see both these scores are now OOP!
