What a surprising effort from Isham this turned out to be. I've never been too fond of his work in the suspense thriller genre, but maybe working with Mamet inspired him to deliver more than the usual bland array of electronics. Some interesting percussion and nice solo arrangements really added more to the film than it demanded from its score.
I'm a big fan of Isham in other arenas (especially the smaller fare like The Education of Little Tree and Fly Away Home) but Spartan's a unique entry. Reminds me a bit of Elliot Goldenthal's work on Heat.
If only a score album were available. The movie's certainly worth checking out.
I was about to post a topic on ISHAM's score to SPARTAN myself - until I checked further and found Mike's post. I too would like to add - that this score from Isham is absolutely brilliant in its mood and delicate undertones. When I grabbed the film to view - I didn't know at first that Mark Isham had scored it. Mamet's film is totally compelling - and Isham's score is so subtle and understated -- it compliments the movie completely. I'm a huge fan of Ishams -- from way back. Mark's trumpet playing inspired me to pick up and toot my own horn after putting it down for many years. Isham's talent constantly amazes me (he plays a mean sax, as well as other instruments!) as do his choices in film composition. I only wish I had still been working for Peter (Hyams) when Mark worked on TIMECOP. Although quite a few of Isham's film scores have been released - I still pine for some that saw limited release or, worse - partial scores with more songs than music on the albums. MADE IN HEAVEN has some of the loveliest melodies - yet the score release had just a few cues of actual Isham music. I still listen to his earliest stuff - like, TROUBLE IN MIND. I cherish the sampler album - THE FILM MUSIC OF MARK ISHAM with cuts from MRS. SOFEL, THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK, etc. Recently - THE COOLER has given me hours of great joy in listening and playing along with my trumpets. The commentary track on this one is a fabulous treat for any aspiring or longtime musician. I'm hoping that SPARTAN with get a score release soon -- this is one of Isham's best efforts!
It's been years but still it's a shame that the film (not available on Blu-ray) and the score (not available in any format) have disappeared completely. The suite referenced above is no longer available on Isham's website.
With so many releases in the last ten years, this remains high on my list of grails. It's a moody, arresting work with some gorgeous textures.
