Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Trailer and Score by Rachel Portman

Every once in a while a movie completely blindsides me.  In a day where we get entirely too much information about upcoming movies (often subsequently devaluing the actual viewing experience), the new film SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN directed by Wayne Wang and based on the book by Lisa See, has managed to do just that. And I love it.

Not only does the stunningly beautiful trailer (above) give me chills and even tears, but the fact that Rachel Portman is providing the score just amps up my excitement to an entirely different level!  In fact, you can already pre-order the original soundtrack here.


Given the job she did on THE JOY LUCK club, I think we have good reason to anticipate this release with high expectations.  With all of the Super-hero-testosterone-laden-movies that dominate the summer, it's nice to be able to look forward to something with a little more depth and sensitivity.  I think SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN is going to fit the bill.

So what do you think of this trailer and the possibilities for Portman's score?

The Duchess by Rachel Portman

Now, I usually avoid movies set in the Georgian or Victorian era like the plague and my gut reaction to THE DUCHESS was no different. After watching the trailer and listening to composer RACHEL PORTMAN's unassuming but heart-felt score; however, I may just have to break with my somewhat narrow-tradition.

Seeing Keira Knightly in such garb is hardly groundbreaking (although I much rather see her in such a role than, say, Kirsten Dunst or Hilary Swank). What is surprising is that composer Dario Marianelli isn't penning the score, but the selection of Rachel Portman is a solid one. Mixed with some great photography and a decent script, THE DUCHESS may not end up being half bad, but don't expect me to make seeing these overstuffed-whig-laden-flicks a habit. The original soundtrack will be released by LAKESHORE RECORDS on September 16, 2008.

You can check out the trailer below or

Pre-order THE DUCHESS soundtrack here.

Infamous by Rachel Portman

Capote, Portman, and All That Jazz
By Cap Stewart

I’ll admit, until recently I disliked jazz. Actually, that’s putting it nicely. My dislike was something more akin to hatred. Then something changed—what, I’m not exactly sure. In the last year or so, this particular musical genre has grown on me—considerably, in fact.So when I say the soundtrack to INFAMOUS is a bore, it’s not because of the intermittent jazz elements. I find the jazzy portions quite entertaining. In its entirety, however, the hodgepodge that is the soundtrack album is far from satisfying.


READ THE FULL REVIEW