Yes Yes Yes. One of my favorite movies of the 90s, one of my favorite scores of the 90s and one of my favorite Newton Howard scores in general. His themes and the way he uses them in the film are perfect. The music box theme for Douglas`family memories, the horn theme for him taking charge and the lonely trumpet theme for people who are the "losers" and the haunting melancholy theme are just amazing. I also love the main title that almost sounds like the main title of Planet of the Apes and perfectly describes the Douglas-Defense character in the hostile environment of an urban surrounding. This is a perfect example of a great composer who understood the psychological structure of the movie and thus created an extremely moving and powerful score. I can`t thank Intrada enough for making Falling Down their first James Newton Howard release.
His themes and the way he uses them in the film are perfect. The music box theme for Douglas`family memories . . ..
Yeah, I never heard it done like that before. Honestly, I watched that film at least twice, and can't remember the music, the fly crawling on Douglas' neck, but not the music, so I'm looking forward to spending some money on a whole bunch of CDs next week. New music for the new year.
There was a pretty good breakdown/theme analysis in an old 90's SOUNDTRACK mag, I'll have to pull that at home and give the issue # if anyone cares.
I certainly do!
Finally remembered just for you Mr. Greg!
It's Soundtrack! Vol 16, No. 61 from March 1997 - Elfman's MARS ATTACKS is the cover story. Nice piece on the JNH 'Down' score by Kjell Neckebroeck - he discusses themes, score and instrumentation analysis, along with a play by play of a "dream album" Ha, finally, right? He notes the article is based on "all 24 cues & 55 minutes of it".
Honestly, I watched that film at least twice, and can't remember the music, the fly crawling on Douglas' neck, but not the music, so I'm looking forward to spending some money on a whole bunch of CDs next week. New music for the new year. 
