Batman Forever

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Whether people realized it or not, there was a time the sole soundtrack of Elliot Goldenthal was released to the general public, since I rented it in '95 to be exact. But, just like the film's failure at the box office, so did the soundtrack disappear from the market with never before seen quickness. In a way sad since these are more or less the more approachable scores of Elliot Goldenthal if you compare them with Alien 3 or Sphere. Yet I have to mention that Batman & Robin is now more approachable then Batman Forever, since none of the wackiness that is Mr. E, (short for Enigma and played by Jim Carrey) is discovered in the last movie. This of course makes sure that Goldenthal has to support at least several out of control scenes in the film. The track 'Nygma Variations (An Ode to Science)' is an example of simply every genre you can find, from dark piano music to organ, from out of tone violins to carnival esque music ending with B-movie inspired Martians music. Simply it is too much and definitely one track I hate to listen to. There are of course others in the genre, the frenetic action pieces with these feisty strings and jazzy trumpets' blasts bring 'Perpetuum Mobile' and 'Gotham City Boogie' to life. They work but sometimes the furious pace and trumpets alone make it harder to appreciate. Yet there are still tracks who are more non interesting then intrusive, 'Mr. E's Dance Card' using carnival esque tones, just like the track before that getting us into the crazy inventive world of Enigma himself. These moments are easier to skip then harder to appreciate.

Yet there are examples, 'Two-Face Three Step' is an intriguing display of Goldenthal's capabilities, whether violins bring a stunning alternate version on the Batman theme or the festivity theme (used for the party in the following film) show up, the sometimes total wackiness is here replaced by more intriguing orchestral and instrumental display. Then we have the good to normal moments of the score, like 'Chase Noir' and 'Mouth to Mouth Nocturne' among others. Not to be confused when it says Chase and containing just slow music because Chase actually stands for Nicole Kidman's character in the film. She receives a very interesting (again) alternation of the Batman theme, this time on piano. The other one captures even an over the top classical string moment of emotional magnitude. And then we have the better to great moments. And usually these involve the main theme or better said Batman fanfare itself. Each time this fanfare throws itself with immense proportion onto the screen, you can't help but marvel at its brassy power. 'Main Titles and Fanfare' is the wonderful opening track with the fanfare for Batman, between it the clangs and then the fanfare for the cave with light supporting choir. It always does the trick. Other signs of this theme are bitching like 'Fledermausmarschmusik' (where does he get these track titles?) and 'Descent'. The more wonder strings heard in Sphere are also here and bring various tracks to life, like 'The Perils of Gotham' and 'Under the Top'.

Yet there is still so much to say about this score, the themes are expanded with the fanfare for the villain, equally appearing a lot in the score and also this one's brassy style is not to be forgotten. The instrumentation is equally expanded with every track you encounter, whether harmonica, accordion, bells, violins or piano do the trick. Next, every possible variation on the main theme is expected in every track, it could be you didn't notice it even when it appeared in the non fanfare like form. This also makes sure that each track has something unique about it, making Elliot Goldenthal as said a very original composer indeed. The downparts are the orchestral carnage created here, even in its more or less appreciative form, the brass creates such a powerful sound that it can even work a bit to the annoying side. This is no score for easy listening and makes therefore Batman & Robin much more approachable, still that 2 CD bootleg had other problems). Furthermore people will even find Elfman's wackiness in this score, which is cool since he composed the other two Batman films. Overall, Batman Forever is Elliot Goldenthal in a nutshell. It can work in either form and can (even will) please or displease you no matter what you think of him overall. Patience is no virtue since the score starts immediately, ends like it begun and gives no rest for the needy. Perhaps your ticket to heaven, if not your calling card to Enigma's brain controller.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Titles And Fanfare (1.50) Excellent Track

2. Perpetuum Mobile (0.54)

3. The Perils Of Gotham (3.00)

4. Chase Noir (1.44)

5. Fledermausmarschmusik (1.14)

6. Nygma Variations (An Ode To Science) (6.02)

7. Victory (2.36)

8. Descent (1.06)

9. The Pull Of Regret (2.49)

10. Mouth To Mouth Nocturne (2.13)

11. Gotham City Boogie (2.02)

12. Under The Top (5.41)

13. Mr. E's Dance Card (3.20)

14. Two-Face Three Step (2.20)

15. Chase Blanc (1.23)

16. Spank Me! Overture (2.45)

17. Holy Rusted Metal (1.50)

18. Batterdammerung (1.20)

Total Length: 44.22

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Elliot Goldenthal ===