The Truman Show

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Effective and unique, these are the words I would use to describe The Truman Show, the soundtrack for the successful movie starring Jim Carrey. Now effective and unique perhaps in the movie but this is all intriguing on disc. Burkhard Dallwitz really brought the world (and by doing so the world of Truman) a score that truly inspires when you hear that first tone. But besides the performance of Dallwitz, we receive various moments of other scores, including pieces directly plucked from Philip Glass' Powaqqatsi, Anima Mundi and Mishima. And while at it, Wojciech Kilar brings one of his finest musical moments or at least was so kind to allow it in this movie. As strange as the score may seem, as unexciting it may sound to use different styles together, it is simply this mix that works. The Truman Show for instance truly could not breath without Powaqqatsi's insertion or Kilar's 'Father Kolbe's Preaching', and totally would fail if Dallwitz would never had inserted that intricate emotional response between Truman and his audience, it all works simply inspiring enough.

The first track is one dialogue sequence used to directly transport you to the world of Truman but the second is simply stunning. 'It's a Life' is a piano leaden theme which glows emotion and atmospheric delight in one minute and truly sets this score alight. The parts of Glass' other scores are a mixed bag, while 'Anthem - Part 2' is an enjoyable piece of light music, it is the rather disturbing use of 'The Beginning' that doesn't hold its ground really good, yet what it does in the scene is nothing but perfection. While the next track is composed by Dallwitz, it still sets a connection to the previous. Following is one of Philip Glass' trademarks, his repetition of thematic ideas and 'Living Waters' is proof of that. 'Reunion' is one of the best tracks and offers a rollercoaster of emotions, followed perfectly by Philip Glass' own piano theme for 'Truman Sleeps'. Also to know is that Philip Glass starred in the movie as the composer during the reunion sequence. Cool for us fans you know, a composer acting what is his profession all along. 'Truman Sets Sail' and 'Raising the Sail' offer both piano solos as string based music and are perfect pieces to listen to.

But still, it is all what Kilar's own piece brings of emotion during the end and the discovery of the lies Truman has been living in. 'Father Kolbe's Preaching' is probably the finest piece of thematic brilliance on this disc and to know is that the longer version (20 to 30 seconds) is even better. Ending with quirky music, it is surprising to see so many musical styles together, yet making it work and becoming enjoyable by doing so. The Truman Show is composed by Burkhard Dallwitz (who also received recognition for his music by winning the Golden Globe) but still Glass composed one piece and lend his array of themes to the music, as so Kilar. All what in the end matters is the listenability and pleasure behind it and both are strongly recommended. The film deserved this original score and made it better, the score became effective and intriguing through it on disc. The Truman Show is such a score that warrants attention if you simply want original sounding music, nothing more, nothing less.

\도도/

Tracks

Single Disc

1. Trutalk + (1.19)

2. It's A Life (1.29) Excellent Track

3. Aquaphobia (0.39)

4. Dreaming Of Fiji * (1.54)

5. Flashback (1.20)

6. Anthem - Part 2 (from Powaqqatsi) * (3.51)

7. The Beginning (from Anima Mundi) * (4.07)

8. Drive (3.35)

9. Underground (0.57)

10. Do Something! (0.45)

11. Living Waters (from Anima Mundi) * (3.48)

12. Reunion (2.26) Excellent Track

13. Truman Sleeps * (1.50) Excellent Track

14. Truman Sets Sail (1.57) Excellent Track

15. Underground / Storm (3.36)

16. Raising The Sail * (2.14) Excellent Track

17. Father Kolbe's Preaching ** (2.26) Excellent Track

18. Opening (from Mishima) * (2.15)

19. A New Life (not contained in film) (1.58)

* Soundtrack composed by Philip Glass

+ Consists dialogue

** Written by Wojciech Kilar, performed by Orchestra Philharmonic National de Pologne

Total Length: 42.45

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons