As Good as It Gets

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

This is typical Hans Zimmer. I don't mean the sound of this particular score but the sudden change of mood. Hans isn't a composer that wants to repeat his music in any other form. He wants something different and if he doesn't get it that easy, he will confront pictures that can make it easy. For those who seek the big romantic theme, you will discover the small motif, the comedic and dramatic touch, the sudden feel that nothing is what you thought it would be. In a way I love him for that, to bring something that people don't expect. And yet the shift of style always works and certain persons will adore him for that, others will not appreciate it for its sudden change of sound. But remaining close to the movie's heart, the score is a perfect fit. As Good as Its Gets is a score that listens appropriate on disc. And more importantly, it is the inconspicuous charm that makes it the surprising listen on its own. People will not discover the big theme, romantic nor soft but simply the opposite of all that, a little ditty. It was probably another pure difficult composition for Zimmer but it is charming in its effectiveness, comedic in its mood and dramatically appropriate. It starts the score with 'As Good as it Gets'. The middle part somewhat nags, meaning that I lost the concentration and nothing really brought that everlasting effect. But the last two tracks are something different, '1.2.3.4.5' is probably one of Zimmer's best creations in this genre. To tell you the truth, I didn't also appreciate it but several listens confirmed the utter brilliance at occasions.

Really, nothing is further away from the usual sounds that Zimmer composed, but it has that sparkling magic, that prominent sound that captures you, no matter if you pick up the signals or not. It has piano solos that respond with Maurice Jarre's theme of Ghost and a classical scherzo not to different from Peter and the Wolf of Tjakofski. And the last track 'Greatest Women on Earth' brings all the romantic and dramatic sides together in a fitting close. The songs, which pack lesser space then first intended aren't my cup of tea. Nothing loud nor totally horrendous but they don't inspire me. Just the last track 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' receives a neat little update, and with a choral accompaniment a la Media Ventures (oh Yes) it will surely close the score with a good feel. The soundtrack of Zimmer, as he himself describes it is the opposite of what the director wanted. Move out the big romantic Americana music and in with the small European effort, and it really feels comfortable and charming. The dramatic sections remind the listener of A League of their Own, the scherzo's and violins create an urgent mood and bring back the memories of Driving Miss Daisy and for the rest is has a bit in common with I'll Do Anything. The score will not attract nor please the big action fanatics of Zimmer's style, most likely it will bore them to death. This score will please more those looking for something a bit different. It contains a new sound and feel of a Zimmer a lot of people haven't heard yet. As Good as it Gets isn't my choice for an Award Winning Score but for some reason it captured their attention more then enough. In the end it pinpoints that Zimmer has more tricks up the wazoo then just action and in this lovely soundtrack he has unveiled it before our eyes. And I wasn't expecting a thing.

Score: ***
Songs: **1/2

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. As Good As It Gets (1.24)

2. A Better Man (5.34)

3. Humanity (6.24)

4. Too Much Reality (6.05)

5. 1.2.3.4.5 (3.53)

6. Greatest Woman On Earth (7.46)

7. Everything My Heart Desires: Danielle Brisebois (3.59)

8. Under Stars: Phil Roy (3.31)

9. My Only: Danielle Brisebois (1.46)

10. For Sentimental Reasons (I Love You): Nat King Cole (3.04)

11. Hand On My Heart: Judith Owen (3.44)

12. Climb On (A Back That's Strong): Shawn Colvin (4.14)

13. Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life: Art Garfunkel (2.39)

Total Length: 54.23

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=== Link to Composer Site: Hans Zimmer ===