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The Man Without A Face is probably his best dramatic score from the 90's.
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Posted: |
Oct 27, 2014 - 6:55 AM
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By: |
governor
(Member)
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And to think he was a replacement composer for a film that DIDN'T fire the original composer. Yes, that's right. The original composer's score was locked into the film for the festival circuit, but before the was released to the general public (after it was purchased by a "major" studio), the score was replaced by Horner's work, which is, indeed, as beautiful as it gets. One of his finest works, in my opinion.
Joe
I remember reading about the film. It had a 'Christian Organization' backing it, I believe? Hired a great writer who did superlative scripts for Remington Steele. But I thought Horner was connected to film from the beginning. Interesting history. But I do agree with Joe, this score is as beautiful as it gets and a great surprise in its originality. Often it makes me think of the music from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.... not that it resembles it... but it has that delicacy.
Disliked the movie.
Who was the original composer?
Gabriel Yared.
As far as I know, Gabriel Yared was never attached to the movie. The original composer was Bennie Wallace.
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probably my favourite Horner score from the '90s. Really terrific work and probably so good because he always said he preferred the intimate smaller films more.
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Posted: |
Oct 27, 2014 - 4:07 PM
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By: |
Zooba
(Member)
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I will always remember this score for it was the day I met James Horner outside the recording sessions of THE SPITFIRE GRILL and he invited me in "for a listen" as he put it.
I was working as an extra on SEINFELD at the CBS Radford lot in Studio City, the same lot which was the home of the TODD-AO Scoring Stage. Back in those days I would frequently get extra gigs on shows like JUST SHOOT ME, SEINFELD and others that were shot at CBS Radford. Knowing that TODD-AO was there I would always wander by to see which composer was recording that day. This particular day the parking space for "James Horner composer" was taken up by his vehicle which I recall was a black mini truck like variety. I ventured over during my lunch break and to my surprise the musicians were all on break as well. So I got closer and then James Horner was just there as I walked closer to the stage door. I think I immediately without thinking just blurted out "Maestro Horner!" or "James!", I think I said "Maestro James" possibly. Anyway, that caught his attention and then I just said something like "Great to see you, I love your work, What are you recording today?" And I think he said "Oh, I'm scoring a little film called THE SPITFIRE GRILL". I said something like "Cool" and then proceeded to thank him for all his wonderful music over the years and for APOLLO 13 and GLORY especially. He was so nice and appreciative and so soft spoken and polite. He thanked me for all the compliments and I think asked me if I was a musician or what I did and I told him I was working as an extra on SEINFELD. He then said "We'll be going back in in a few minutes, would you like to come in for a listen?" And I said something like "Really? that would be okay?" and he said "Please come in for a listen, you are most welcome." And so for the next 30 minutes or so I watched him conduct the "Remembering Eli" cue over and over and over again. He wanted to get it just right. What a sensitive and beautiful short cue it was. Wow, he took about 30 minutes just for that one cue. So lucky to have met the most talented maestro, a true gentleman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7caYamWct_A
And yes he was wearing his famous CLOGS as he conducted!
A day I will always cherish. Wish I had a camera to take a photo with him. I'm sure he would have obliged generously.
Close to what his clogs looked like as I remember:
Horner wearing his actual clogs at a scoring session of FOR GREATER GLORY:
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I vaguely remember you telling this nice story before, zoob, but I don't remember making fun of you for talking so much about his shoes. I am going to do that now. Haha
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I didn't get into the score as a whole, but track nine "Reading the Letters" is absolutely sublime and to me the stand-out track, even above the End Credits. It's a lilting, catchy, moving and fully satisfying rendition of the theme that manages to clock in at only two minutes, which is pretty refreshing taking in account Horner's tendency for longer cues.
That's a great track. Horner certainly did a fine job with the arranging on this one. I actually liked the film.
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Took this one for another spin this morning. What a lovely score. A perfect balance between solo writing and ensemble work. The focus on the guitar and piano are such a great element. The main theme is so catchy. The folk elements are very well integrated into the fabric of the music and as many have mentioned, very few references to other scores. Seems like Horner was very inspired by this story.
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Can't believe I never posted to this! The Spitfire Grill is MY favorite Horner score.
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Can't believe I never posted to this! The Spitfire Grill is MY favorite Horner score.
Me too Jim. I admire and love his exciting scores but this one has a tender soul to it that must have resonated with Horner.
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