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 Posted:   Aug 14, 2011 - 3:34 AM   
 By:   First Breath   (Member)

I finally saw the film a few days ago. I understand that the film was a flop both critically and commercially, but I actually found it quite good, especially the lighting and scenery. The film LOOKED good, and the story had its interesting twists and turns.

I'm a big fan of Elias, but as I have mentioned earlier, this score is not very interesting. Almost no themes at all, and none of his trademark electronics. Prophecy Fulfilled is the best track from the Varese disc, but it's sadly not on youtube.

Opinions on film and score?

 
 
 Posted:   Aug 14, 2011 - 3:52 AM   
 By:   Thor   (Member)

I gave some thoughts in this earlier thread:

http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/board/posts.cfm?threadID=34214&forumID=1&archive=1

Crappy film, slightly better score (but not terribly exciting either).

 
 
 Posted:   Aug 14, 2011 - 11:31 AM   
 By:   JamesFitz   (Member)

I gave some thoughts in this earlier thread:

http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/board/posts.cfm?threadID=34214&forumID=1&archive=1

Crappy film, slightly better score (but not terribly exciting either).


Well I could fill pages on the recording of this score.... easiest thing to say is that by the time we came to record ithe music in Prague (with the wonderful City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra) they were on the 4th edit of the movie and the 4th version of Jonathan's score. I believe his original draft had lots of themes...which seem to have got jettisoned with each further edit of the film. While we were recording in Prague, we had a phone call from the film company to say that they had done a 5th edit (!!!) and could be "adapt" the music to the new cut! But of course by then it was too late and the music was sync'd to version 4. So, in the end I presume the music editor had to be very "creative" in fitting score 4 to picture edit 5....?

 
 Posted:   Aug 14, 2011 - 12:28 PM   
 By:   First Breath   (Member)

I totally disagree with Thor about the quality of the film.

Yes, I am aware that there were lots of edits to the film, and that Elias once more was unlucky. He has had his share of trouble in his career, both with film scores, concept albums and production work for other artists.

 
 Posted:   Aug 14, 2011 - 12:44 PM   
 By:   Paul Ettinger   (Member)

James Fitz could I impose on you to contact me: paul-ns at hotmail dot com .

I actually thought the Elias score was a grand, epic symphony of barbaric percussion. I really enjoyed this score. Not as thematic as I had hoped, and as explained elsewhere, but still leagues ahead of what passes for blockbuster scores these days, and I thought it one of the better scores of that year.

I thought the score as released was perhaps unfairly dismissed by some of our posters who seem to be entranced by Elias' early synth projects with their techno-dance rythyms and keep wishing for a stylistic return to those early roots.
And not to be dismissive of their tastes but I dont think a VAMP style techno-score would have suited the film (or at least the film it was trying to be).

The film did end up being far funnier than the very funny VAMP so perhaps one could have really gone anywhere with the score if it had been played for broad comedy.

Its been awhile since I've seen the movie but I do recall laughing a lot when my mouth wasn't agape in disbelief.
From what I recall, it starts with an Indian maiden collecting song bird eggs from their nests- in the winter. You know, when song birds lay their eggs because bitter cold ensures a high survival rate for song birds.

It ends with the Indian hero vanquishing the vikings by utilizing his knowledge of ice and snow because the vikings are unfamiliar with ice and snow living way down there in the south wherever vikings come from.

And everything in between is just as good ! Its actually an unappreciated comedy classic.

I would like to see Elias' early thematic version released by some enterprising label.

 
 Posted:   Aug 14, 2011 - 12:56 PM   
 By:   First Breath   (Member)

James Fitz could I impose on you to contact me: paul-ns at hotmail dot com .

I actually thought the Elias score was a grand, epic symphony of barbaric percussion. I really enjoyed this score. Not as thematic as I had hoped, and as explained elsewhere, but still leagues ahead of what passes for blockbuster scores these days, and I thought it one of the better scores of that year.

I thought the score as released was perhaps unfairly dismissed by some of our posters who seen to be entranced by Elias' early synth projects with their techno-dance rythyms and keep wishing for a stylistic return to those early roots.
And not to be dismissive of their tastes but I dont think a VAMP style techno-score would have suited the film (or at least the film it was trying to be).

The film did end up being far funnier than the very funny VAMP so perhaps one could have really gone anywhere with the score if it had been played for broad comedy.

Its been awhile since I've seen the movie but I do recall laughing a lot when my mouth wasn't agape in disbelief.
From what I recall, it starts with an Indian maiden collecting song bird eggs from their nests- in the winter. You know, when song birds lay their eggs because bitter cold ensures a high survival rate for song birds.

It ends with the Indian hero vanquishing the vikings by utilizing his knowledge of ice and snow because the vikings are unfamiliar with ice and snow living way down there in the south wherever vikings come from.

And everything in between is just as good ! Its actually an unappreciated comedy classic.

I would like to see Elias' early thematic version released by some enterprising label.


Well, I have never said Pathfinder should sound like Vamp, but I think if it sounded a bit like, say, Far From Home, it would have been a great thing.

Who knows, maybe there are snippets from Pathfinder on Elias' recent concept album Path To Zero?

 
 Posted:   Aug 14, 2011 - 1:23 PM   
 By:   spook   (Member)

I'm a big fan of Elias' work as well but, as i said in the original thread, PATHFINDER just left me cold. I tried a few listens of it but couldn't really come away with one memorable thing from it. It almost seemed like the work of a different composer.
I have been a bit disappointed in Mr Elias' recent output. I found his score for the CHILDREN OF THE CORN remake pretty forgettable and not a patch on his original work. I recent listened to PATH TO ZERO as well and was also disappointed in what sounded to me like a more elaborate re-hash of THE PRAYER CYCLE. Still...there's always whatever comes next!

 
 Posted:   Aug 20, 2011 - 10:22 AM   
 By:   First Breath   (Member)

I'm a big fan of Elias' work as well but, as i said in the original thread, PATHFINDER just left me cold. I tried a few listens of it but couldn't really come away with one memorable thing from it. It almost seemed like the work of a different composer.
I have been a bit disappointed in Mr Elias' recent output. I found his score for the CHILDREN OF THE CORN remake pretty forgettable and not a patch on his original work. I recent listened to PATH TO ZERO as well and was also disappointed in what sounded to me like a more elaborate re-hash of THE PRAYER CYCLE. Still...there's always whatever comes next!


I think the Children Of The Corn remake-score sounded OK, but nothing more.

Is Path To Zero another completely acoustic work from Elias?

His next score will be THE SON OF NO ONE. Don't know of a soundtrack release yet though.

 
 
 Posted:   Aug 20, 2011 - 1:13 PM   
 By:   Francis   (Member)



I think the Children Of The Corn remake-score sounded OK, but nothing more.


In theory, it was a nice experiment, but both the film as well as the score failed at capturing the spirit of the first movie. The Varese club is the one to get.

 
 Posted:   Aug 21, 2011 - 2:34 PM   
 By:   spook   (Member)



Is Path To Zero another completely acoustic work from Elias?

His next score will be THE SON OF NO ONE. Don't know of a soundtrack release yet though.


Yes, PATH TO ZERO is acoustic or orchestral, however you like to say it. Its not like his early synth work. It really is very similar to PRAYER CYCLE but IMHO not as good.

 
 Posted:   Aug 21, 2011 - 6:21 PM   
 By:   Hester_Pryne   (Member)

I finally saw the film a few days ago. I understand that the film was a flop both critically and commercially, but I actually found it quite good, especially the lighting and scenery. The film LOOKED good, and the story had its interesting twists and turns.

I'm a big fan of Elias, but as I have mentioned earlier, this score is not very interesting. Almost no themes at all, and none of his trademark electronics. Prophecy Fulfilled is the best track from the Varese disc, but it's sadly not on youtube.

Opinions on film and score?


Garbage movie. Can't remember the score.

Elias' PRAYER CYCLE remains his best effort.

 
 Posted:   Aug 21, 2011 - 6:48 PM   
 By:   Sirusjr   (Member)

I looked up my review from close to the release and what most got me about the movie was how bad the editing was on the action. I couldn't follow most of the fighting or tell who was killing who. It was fears of that same style of film-making that kept me from going to see Conan in theaters this week.

 
 Posted:   Aug 22, 2011 - 11:21 AM   
 By:   First Breath   (Member)



I think the Children Of The Corn remake-score sounded OK, but nothing more.


In theory, it was a nice experiment, but both the film as well as the score failed at capturing the spirit of the first movie. The Varese club is the one to get.


I will stick with my original 1984 COTC LP. Would have been fun to read the Varese Club liner notes though.

 
 Posted:   Aug 22, 2011 - 11:23 AM   
 By:   First Breath   (Member)



Is Path To Zero another completely acoustic work from Elias?

His next score will be THE SON OF NO ONE. Don't know of a soundtrack release yet though.


Yes, PATH TO ZERO is acoustic or orchestral, however you like to say it. Its not like his early synth work. It really is very similar to PRAYER CYCLE but IMHO not as good.


Hmm, have to think about that one then...

I have actually got every album Elias ever released until now...

 
 Posted:   Jul 12, 2018 - 5:10 PM   
 By:   edwzoomom   (Member)



I listened to one of my FAVORITE scores today, The Prayer Cycle and went looking for additional scores by Jonathan Elias. I happened upon Pathfinder: Legend of the Ghost Warrior. Two particular tracks caught my ear, "Sanctuary" and "Starfire." I haven't finished listening through but this will be my next Elias buy.

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 12, 2018 - 8:20 PM   
 By:   GoblinScore   (Member)

I listened to one of my FAVORITE scores today, The Prayer Cycle and went looking for additional scores by Jonathan Elias. I happened upon Pathfinder: Legend of the Ghost Warrior. Two particular tracks caught my ear, "Sanctuary" and "Starfire." I haven't finished listening through but this will be my next Elias buy.

Ya know (along with needing to read my mail!!), I meant to mention this one the other day. Like David Newman's MALONE, which I was "griping" about at Intrada, this one hasn't clicked with me, despite the composer being an unsung fave. So, time to unearth and try again, thanks E!! Its pretty far afield from his other work I like - there has to be some of that talent lurking in these cues. I just remember big drums....

Let's see what happens!

 
 Posted:   Jul 12, 2018 - 8:47 PM   
 By:   edwzoomom   (Member)

I listened to one of my FAVORITE scores today, The Prayer Cycle and went looking for additional scores by Jonathan Elias. I happened upon Pathfinder: Legend of the Ghost Warrior. Two particular tracks caught my ear, "Sanctuary" and "Starfire." I haven't finished listening through but this will be my next Elias buy.

Ya know (along with needing to read my mail!!), I meant to mention this one the other day. Like David Newman's MALONE, which I was "griping" about at Intrada, this one hasn't clicked with me, despite the composer being an unsung fave. So, time to unearth and try again, thanks E!! Its pretty far afield from his other work I like - there has to be some of that talent lurking in these cues. I just remember big drums....

Let's see what happens!


Sean, I'm pleased you are taking a second listen to this. I found it on YT and listened to each cue a couple of times. I do this to get a real taste of a new score. The two cues I cited are really good in my opinion. Admittedly, it is a bit repetitive but there are some cues in there worth listening to.

 
 Posted:   Jul 13, 2018 - 4:21 PM   
 By:   First Breath   (Member)

I listened to one of my FAVORITE scores today, The Prayer Cycle and went looking for additional scores by Jonathan Elias. I happened upon Pathfinder: Legend of the Ghost Warrior. Two particular tracks caught my ear, "Sanctuary" and "Starfire." I haven't finished listening through but this will be my next Elias buy.

Prayer Cycle is a concept album, not a score.

 
 Posted:   Jul 13, 2018 - 8:04 PM   
 By:   edwzoomom   (Member)

I listened to one of my FAVORITE scores today, The Prayer Cycle and went looking for additional scores by Jonathan Elias. I happened upon Pathfinder: Legend of the Ghost Warrior. Two particular tracks caught my ear, "Sanctuary" and "Starfire." I haven't finished listening through but this will be my next Elias buy.

Prayer Cycle is a concept album, not a score.


I hope you feel better now.

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 13, 2018 - 8:34 PM   
 By:   GoblinScore   (Member)

I listened to one of my FAVORITE scores today, The Prayer Cycle and went looking for additional scores by Jonathan Elias. I happened upon Pathfinder: Legend of the Ghost Warrior. Two particular tracks caught my ear, "Sanctuary" and "Starfire." I haven't finished listening through but this will be my next Elias buy.

Prayer Cycle is a concept album, not a score.


I hope you feel better now.


I retract what I initially said out of respect for Kendall-Sones wishes, that one is cancerous, long long blocked. Same difference score, song cycle - it's a fantastic record.

 
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