Inspired by the recent Deluxe Edition of UNDER SIEGE 2, I've been revisiting my favorite scores by Maestro Poledouris, one of the greatest talents in the history of Filmscoredom.
I'm currently spinning IRON EAGLE (which I saw in the theater as a kid but haven’t watched in decades), and it’s so rich with themes, rhythms, textures and EMOTION. Pure Basil. I'm almost tempted to watch the movie again just to hear the score in action.
I think his two greatest creations are the "Riders of Doom" theme from Conan and the Robocop theme. But my personal favorite Poledouris score has forever been Wind. I'm still considering looking into Under Siege 2, though I have no desire to sit through the movie to find out whether or not the score is worthwhile. The idea of getting a package in the mail with Steven Seagal's face on it just sounds awkward. Can't we just pretend Katie McGrath saved everyone from the train hijackers instead?
Wind is amazing: it's the kind of score that, if you described it to me, I'd absolutely think it was not my cup of tea, but Basil had the gift, and the heart, to pull it off. Amazing.
Under Siege 2 is worth it, I think. It's not top tier Basil but it's really good. Has echoes of another score of his released that year, The Jungle Book, as well as occasional shades of RoboCop. Nothing blatant. The complete score is a little long but the original release was a little short so that's fine.
