Saturday 4 October 2008

Cloverfield - Michael Giacchino


Not being much of a fan of The Blair Witch Project, I wasn't entirely sure what I'd make of Cloverfield, doing for monster movies what Blair Witch did for horror. In truth, Cloverfield looks a (few tens of) million Dollars in comparison, notably the seamless and superb effects shots of the creature itself. Being in a home movie style, there's no score (although they managed to use the excuse of the opening party sequence to put together a mix of pop songs for release) but as it was produced by JJ Abrams, Michael Giacchino gets 10 minutes all to himself over the end credits.

One of the joys of iTunes is being able to release and buy single tracks and so after much delay, a full 12 minute version of Cloverfield's end credis overture, Roar! saw the light of day. Giacchino pays clear and respectful homage to Akira Ifukube with a terrific, menacing, stomping brass theme, alternating with almost Alexander Courage-esque female vocal writing. A quieter passage in the latter half almost calls to mind Elliot Goldenthal, but soon enough Giacchino's thunderous creature feature tune comes back to the fore, decorated again by the female vocalist. One wonders how terrific a full Cloverfield score from Giacchino might have been, although if the occasionally mentioned sequel ever comes about, we may find out.

You're a bit stuffed if you aren't an iTunes user as that's the only legitimate place to buy it, but if you are willing to put with all the DRM crap, probably the best 79 pence you'll ever spend: 12 minutes of Giacchino bliss.

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