I had the very great pleasure of seeing an early screening of Peter Weir's new movie, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" the other evening and it really is superb. The music is a typical Weir mix of strange and varied sources. There is synth by Christopher Gordon, Iva Davies (http://www.spellbound-icehouse.org/tgot.html); nineteenth century string duets by Richard Tognetti (http://www.aco.com.au/about_the_ACO/artistic_director) and very powerful but limited use of Ralph Vaughn Williams, all of which lifts the film, creates an ethereal mood and comments on the bonds between the characters. In a q&a after the film, Weir acknowledged a deliberate choice to avoid reminiscences of Rozsa/Korngold seafaring movie music traditions, but the movie works as well as the best of those classics. It's a rare blend of powerful action, a gripping plot and thoughtfully drawn characters: intimate, haunting and epic. Highly recommended.
I had the very great pleasure of seeing an early screening of Peter Weir's new movie, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" the other evening and it really is superb. The music is a typical Weir mix of strange and varied sources. There is synth by Christopher Gordon, Iva Davies (http://www.spellbound-icehouse.org/tgot.html); nineteenth century string duets by Richard Tognetti (http://www.aco.com.au/about_the_ACO/artistic_director) and very powerful but limited use of Ralph Vaughn Williams, all of which lifts the film, creates an ethereal mood and comments on the bonds between the characters. In a q&a after the film, Weir acknowledged a deliberate choice to avoid reminiscences of Rozsa/Korngold seafaring movie music traditions, but the movie works as well as the best of those classics. It's a rare blend of powerful action, a gripping plot and thoughtfully drawn characters: intimate, haunting and epic. Highly recommended.
One of my top films of all time. Anyone else enjoy the score or the score and classical combo?
I've got both the soundtrack CD as well as the Blu-ray for a couple of years by now, but still haven't come around to watch or listen. This thread is a reminder.
I've got both the soundtrack CD as well as the Blu-ray for a couple of years by now, but still haven't come around to watch or listen. This thread is a reminder.
I thought the film was, okay. If I recall the best music in the film isn't on the CD release. 
