Hart's War

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

It seems an odd choice, and frankly seeing Rachel Portman's name attached to a war movie is nothing of the expected nature. Not unless you don't consider Hart's War a war movie which for the director it isn't. Personally, it doesn't seem to be one either and it looks more like a dramatic movie containing circumstances of WW2 history or at least memory. It is then also clear that Hart's War is not the typical Rachel Portman score, even though it simply has all the trademarks you would expect. It is a soundtrack that benefits from the piano (or detracts perhaps for some) but also the typical theme accompanied by trumpet (being very close to The Legend of Bagger Vance) makes its noticed appearances throughout the running length of Decca's release. Why this movie is not a war movie, I'm not sure about. But you must really read the liner notes which I think give a better example of Portman's understanding of tale. However, with all that Hart's War is, it simply isn't the best listen. A theme is added to the collection already, being as strong as we had hoped from Portman and even the distinct bleak score is all what the movie needs, but an album like this can not become through it the most energized listen, let alone become interesting all through it.

The theme is here and makes perhaps the score worth it for the fans of the composer, since it remains a part of Portman's wonderful style. The theme is noticed fully three times, 'Final Salute' which I think is a wonderful opening cue, 'McNamara Trades his Life' which is the best track and 'End Credits' which sums up basically what is heard before. The theme once more leans close in sound to The Legend of Bagger Vance, has the melodramatic impact of The Cider House Rules but nonetheless sounds inspiring because of its beauty and lonely but respected trumpet solo. That is basically what you get of the good promising stuff. Tracks 2 and 5 can still pick up what track 1 created, and that is the interesting quality. 'Hart Captured and Interrogated' consists of the trademark feel of Portman (you will know what I mean when you hear it) and 'Visser finds Tunnel' has the main theme and better tense music at the end, making it acceptable. In fact the whole score is acceptable, especially in tone but the melody makes way for more bleak sounding stuff and the attractive part gives somewhat place for the harsh lonely feel. Hart's War in that way must function in the lines of what the movie seems to be (recording to the director of course) but might perhaps bore the most after a while on disc. Even I had it hard sometimes when listening to it, even I.

Especially during the middle when you receive a long track, several short and the theme doesn't make the entrance before the end. Simply this is sad, since it is the only difference in tone that sets this score apart. So, it somewhat makes the middle obsolete since the different style is noticed in begin and end, and runs for about 9 to 10 minutes. This is why I do not consider Hart's War to be a standout score, let alone a good one. It is acceptable for what it achieves and the theme is worthy of attention, but it doesn't make the score alive and kicking, something that of course it absolutely didn't need to do. Portman admirers will find the track time interesting and the material worthy of attention and even a casual fan of the Portman sound will love the theme coming out the speakers. The other music that mostly covers the rest is a part I consider to be your taste alone. Perhaps a view first to the movie is what can clear your decision about this score, since it perhaps isn't enough to really warrant full price admission. The recording is not that powerful as expected and the volume really needs to be cranked up, to receive the emotional theme that saves the grace of Hart's War. But as function music, especially considering the movie, the score seems to work like the best. And perhaps that is the biggest surprise after hearing Portman scoring a War (not War) movie (score).

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Final Salute (3.23)

2. Hart Captured And Interrogated (5.19)

3. Scott's Macon, Georgia Story / Train And Straffing And Bombing (3.51)

4. Visser Testifies (3.05)

5. Visser Finds Tunnel (6.41)

6. March To 6A (3.15)

7. Archer Shot Dead (1.09)

8. Scott Railroaded (3.14)

9. "Everything Is OK, Tommy" (1.51)

10. Blackened Face Testimony (2.34)

11. Hart Finds Bedford's Stash (1.02)

12. Hart Discovers Tunnel (3.29)

13. McNamara Trades His Life (2.46) Excellent Track

14. End Credits (2.58)

Total Length: 45.12

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Rachel Portman ===