The Man in the Iron Mask

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

I sometimes don't understand people. When The Rock (still one of those melodic action soundtracks) emerged onto the screen, people thought it was good but that was it. Two years later, head composer of that score Nick Glennie - Smith composed his sole project The Man in the Iron Mask and many people thought it sounded much better, even though stylistically it leans very close to The Rock. Of course this score doesn't have the main action sound, the thrills and the chills but still, the main theme is very close and the choir which is heard more than often is now already known all over the community. So, why is The Man in the Iron Mask now better then his sidekick and influence? In my opinion (which stays my opinion no matter what) the score isn't better than the other and is such a score I hardly listen to. I really don't know why but a part could have to do with the influence which leans close to The Rock, the other thing that apart from the first 5 tracks, it doesn't listen that strong anymore. Still, Media Ventures fanatics who thought the world of The Rock and want more and good highlights will find moments of interest in this release of Milan Records.

As said before, the first five tracks are a hoot and make this album the respected listen it still is. 'Surrounded' is deeply influenced by The Rock and the theme could come out of that movie without any problem, but it is still immensely enjoyable, through the strong performance and of course the choir. Same thing counts for the love theme which is stated in its soft elegant way (flute) or through the whole orchestra and synthesizers in 'Heart of a King'. 'The Ascension' is 50 seconds long but maintains to bring for that time excellent music. For the rest, apart from the occasional appearance of the themes, the score usually stays the same and mostly, the best material is stated at the begin. Tracks 7, 15 and 19 are classically influenced pieces were Nick Glennie - Smith successfully adapts classical pieces of the baroque period. It is the sole thing that especially listens different. And the moment of 'All for One' which at the end states the flute is just exactly the same (sound) as that piece in The Rock, at the end of 'Rocket Away'. Not that I find this bad but many people simply forgot its effect in that score and seem to make an exception concerning this one. And as said before, there is nothing much of excellence to be found during the last 35 minutes or so of the score.

Also perhaps good to know for the trailer freaks, the menacing dark choral play at the begin of 'The Rose' was used in the trailer of The Mummy (the first). Don't see me as the one hating the score because I ain't. Still, there must be a reason that I am not fully attracted by The Man in the Iron Mask like others are. First of all, I get more pleasure out of The Rock and secondly, apart from the begin it isn't that special. Still, the begin is here and this makes the score at least great on that occasion. Many people commented that the career of Nick Glennie - Smith would finally be on the move but we are 2004 and it still didn't do miracles for him. It seems that he mostly has to adapt his style or other scores and I feel a bit the same way with this composition. It simply listens at times so close to The Rock. Now, this is the last time I said it and overall, The Man in the Iron Mask is an attractive listen and believe me, the first 17 to 18 minutes can really make the difference with a lot of persons. So, if any is wondering and searching for more of the Media Ventures music, then I consider this score to be great in providing the evidence for you to enjoy.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Surrounded (3.49) Excellent Track

2. Heart Of A King (3.18) Excellent Track

3. The Pig Chase (3.29)

4. The Ascension (0.50)

5. King For A King (6.21)

6. The Moon Beckons (2.15)

7. The Masked Ball (1.28)

8. A Taste Of Something (3.58)

9. Kissy Kissie (2.08)

10. Training To Be King (1.38)

11. The Rose (2.21)

12. All Will Be Well (1.06)

13. All For One (4.40)

14. Greatest Mystery Of Life (1.49)

15. Raoul And Christine (1.51)

16. It Is A Trap (2.46)

17. Angry Athos (1.55)

18. Raoul's Letter (1.01)

19. The Palace (0.27)

20. Raoul's Death (1.32)

21. The Queen Approaches (1.52)

Total Length: 50.36

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Nick Glennie - Smith ===