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This is a comments thread about FSM CD: It's Alive
 
 Posted:   Aug 24, 2012 - 11:22 AM   
 By:   Eugene Iemola   (Member)

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't even opened my copy yet. I know the score from the old Starlog LP and know (sort of) what to expect- just can't seem to find the right moment, you know?

 
 Posted:   Aug 24, 2012 - 4:16 PM   
 By:   Zoragoth   (Member)

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't even opened my copy yet. I know the score from the old Starlog LP and know (sort of) what to expect- just can't seem to find the right moment, you know?

Definitely not something you would want to listen to every day - you have to be in the right mood! But I enjoyed the score far more than I anticipated, based on my memories of that old LP. Or course, my tastes have gotten a bit more sophisticated since I was 16! ;-)

 
 
 Posted:   Aug 24, 2012 - 10:37 PM   
 By:   dashrr   (Member)

"I'm ashamed to say that I haven't even opened my copy yet. I know the score from the old Starlog LP and know (sort of) what to expect- just can't seem to find the right moment, you know?"


Just the opposite...my Explorers CD is unopened and IT'S ALIVE is nealy worn out...go figure!

 
 Posted:   Aug 26, 2012 - 3:44 PM   
 By:   MerM   (Member)

Been listening to this every so often since I got it... yep, it's still a winner. Kinda sad that it doesn't much attention from most here (popping in to ask if it's limited and whine about phrasing doesn't count), but oh well. Their loss.

 
 Posted:   Aug 26, 2012 - 8:14 PM   
 By:   Zoragoth   (Member)

Been listening to this every so often since I got it... yep, it's still a winner. Kinda sad that it doesn't much attention from most here (popping in to ask if it's limited and whine about phrasing doesn't count), but oh well. Their loss.

Agreed! I would particularly point to Herrmann's underscoring for the climactic scene where John Ryan tearfully reconciles himself to his monster baby. Very touching, in the weirdest way, as only Bennie can do....

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 13, 2015 - 2:54 AM   
 By:   RM Eastman   (Member)

Just caught this cheap exploitive laughable movie on TCM, absolutely horrible in every department including Herrmann's ridiculous score, one of his worst efforts- Yikes!!!

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 13, 2015 - 2:54 AM   
 By:   RM Eastman   (Member)

Double post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 13, 2015 - 2:54 AM   
 By:   RM Eastman   (Member)

Sorry double

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 13, 2015 - 6:49 AM   
 By:   Graham Watt   (Member)

Just caught this cheap exploitive laughable movie on TCM, absolutely horrible in every department including Herrmann's ridiculous score, one of his worst efforts- Yikes!!!

It's interesting to see how people's perceptions of things can be radically different. With IT'S ALIVE, I know a few people who would agree with the "cheap, exploitative, laughable" label, but there are many others who see it from a different perspective. I think it's a very effective film, an example of what can be done with very little money but lots of talent and imagination, sort of like early Brian DePalma before he had bigger budgets.

As for the score - "ridiculous"? Again, some people (such as my mum-in-law) think it's horrendous. It does kind of shake you out of your seat in parts, but I also think it's an extremely valid approach to the material. He could have gone a different route, yes, but he didn't - and it's now integral to the overall feel of the movie, which I repeat I think is great.

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 13, 2015 - 7:39 AM   
 By:   OnyaBirri   (Member)

I taped it but haven't watched it yet. Can't wait! It sounds like an amazing film, and the LP has long been a favorite!

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 13, 2015 - 9:14 PM   
 By:   OnyaBirri   (Member)

Just caught this cheap exploitive laughable movie on TCM, absolutely horrible in every department including Herrmann's ridiculous score, one of his worst efforts- Yikes!!!

Did you and I watch the same film? I thought both the film and the score, which I know from the LP, were brilliant.

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 13, 2015 - 9:24 PM   
 By:   RM Eastman   (Member)

Just caught this cheap exploitive laughable movie on TCM, absolutely horrible in every department including Herrmann's ridiculous score, one of his worst efforts- Yikes!!!

Did you and I watch the same film? I thought both the film and the score, which I know from the LP, were brilliant.


Well, I thought the film and score were crummy and cheap. Herrmann should have been ashamed of himself. The film was beyond redemption!! Every aspect of the movie were stupid beyond belief, and that ludicrous baby- Just Wow. Herrmann obviously needed the money.

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 1:47 AM   
 By:   Dr Lenera   (Member)

I thought the film handled its premise pretty well, being rather restrained, very suspenseful and slightly moving. Not seen the sequels though. As for the score, it's one of Herrmann's weaker efforts, but fits the film like a glove.

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 5:19 AM   
 By:   OnyaBirri   (Member)


Well, I thought the film and score were crummy and cheap. Herrmann should have been ashamed of himself. The film was beyond redemption!! Every aspect of the movie were stupid beyond belief, and that ludicrous baby- Just Wow. Herrmann obviously needed the money.


I guess you are not a fan of exploitation cinema. I live for these films (and scores).

 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 11:51 AM   
 By:   JohnnyG   (Member)

...

As for the score, it's one of Herrmann's weaker efforts, but fits the film like a glove.



You got it right, Doc.

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 8:42 PM   
 By:   OnyaBirri   (Member)

...As for the score, it's one of Herrmann's weaker efforts...

He uses the exact same devices he used in all of his sci-fi/fantasy/horror/suspense scores. It's no weaker than any of them.

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 8:56 PM   
 By:   RM Eastman   (Member)



Posted: Sep 15, 2015 - 3:42 AM Report Abuse Reply to Post
By: OnyaBirri (Member)

...As for the score, it's one of Herrmann's weaker efforts...

He uses the exact same devices


May be true but still a lousy score for a lousy movie.

 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 8:58 PM   
 By:   Lukas Kendall   (Member)


Can we please call a truce and just say this one's a matter of taste?

Lukas

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 9:02 PM   
 By:   RM Eastman   (Member)

Can we please call a truce and just say this one's a matter of taste?

Lukas



OK, Lukas, sorry to drag this on and on..


Your Twins are gorgeous!

 
 
 Posted:   Sep 14, 2015 - 9:26 PM   
 By:   OnyaBirri   (Member)

Can we please call a truce and just say this one's a matter of taste?


Just so I understand the rules here:

Is it inappropriate for me to discuss stylistic devices that are common across many scores by a single composer? Such similarities are intrinsic and not a matter of taste.

Does addressing empirical similarities among different scores by one composer constitute "abuse?"

One can like or dislike whatever one wants, but this particular score uses many of Herrmann's signature compositional characteristics that show up in most of his sci-fi/horror/macabre/fantasy scores.

If I am breaking any rules, I am sorry that I began to get into a technical musical discussion on a music-oriented message board.

 
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