Lust, Caution by Alexander Desplat

Fleeting Pleasure
By Cap Stewart

As of late, director Ang Lee seems to be getting a kick out of being controversial. The subject matter of his previous film, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, stirred a considerable amount of controversy itself. In fact, so did Gustavo Santaolalla’s score for the film—especially after his mediocre effort garnered him an Oscar win, edging out two John Williams compositions (among other nominees). Alexandre Desplat’s efforts for LUST, CAUTION aren’t nearly as controversial (although it is interesting to note that the score fails to employ instrumentation native to the film’s locale).

My first exposure to the music for LUST, CAUTION involved hearing a few tantalizing thirty-second clips. The restrained beauty of the main theme quickly captured my attention and left me wanting more. I haven’t been a huge fan of Alexandre Desplat (although I did like his work on THE QUEEN), but this score sounded like it could change my view of him.

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The Golden Compass Theatrical Trailer

The full, theatrical trailer for one of the holiday seasons most anticipated films, THE GOLDEN COMPASS, was recently released by New Line. The trailer is over 3 minutes long and contains some nice visuals (even beyond Ms. Kidman). The trailer contains music from Blank in the Blank by Blank Blankton Blankward (you know exactly what and who). The music for the climactic portion of the trailer, I'm not able to easily identify. If you recognize it, please post a comment here! And finally it concludes with Lisa Gerrard vocals from Gladiator. Overall...a pretty meaty trailer.

I dont' peg the prolific minimalist, ALEXANDER DESPLAT, as one for the fantasy genre, so I'm more than a little intrigued to hear his work. Definitely can't be a minimalist score for a film with visuals this big.

It seems that New Line is hoping this to be their next Lord of the Rings franchise. I have my doubts that it will be that big, but we'll see. The CG animals leave a little to be desired for starters, but good voice-actors may overcome that.


You can check it out at Yahoo Movies in both standard and high resolution versions.

The Queen by Alexandre Desplat

King of Queens
Review by Cap Stewart

THE QUEEN details the events immediately following the death of Princess Diana. The story focuses specifically on the contrast of responses between Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair. The queen views the event—and her response—as a private affair, while Blair attempts to convince her otherwise. After all, he reasons, Diana was “the people’s princess,” a fact that necessitates a public response from Elizabeth, for the benefit of her subjects (and the world at large).

To score the film, director Stephen Frears brought in French composer Alexandre Desplat. Not having seen the film, I can’t comment on how well the music melds with the visuals. The tone of much of the score is much lighter than I would have expected, considering the subject matter. Then again, the point may be to mirror the queen’s avoidance of any display of public grief. Whatever the case, as a standalone album, THE QUEEN provides a pleasurable listening experience.

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THE PAINTED VEIL by Alexander Desplat

Subtly Satisfying
Review By Christopher Coleman

Slipping under the 2006-Awards-wire, came the Warner Independent film THE PAINTED VEIL. The film being adapted from the 1925 book by W. Somerset Maugham, tells the tale of one Kitty Fane and her journey of self-discovery - a journey which took her from England to Hong Kong and back again. On the way, she learns of the pains of love, of life and of death. Aside from the clear abilities of stars and produdcers Edward Norton and Naomi Watts, the talents of screewriter, Ron Nyswaner, director John Curran, and composer Alexander Desplat combined to deliver one of 2006's finest films. Another fine film mysteriously and totally ignored by The Academy.

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