Cliffhanger

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

From the moment you started listening to the score of Cliffhanger, you knew one thing for certain: "Yes ladies and gentlemen, we have another theme on our hands to keep us enthralled for a certain time." Indeed, the main theme of the score is as majestic as they come and propelled Trevor Jones' status as one of the best thematic wizards in the composer business, at least speaking of the grand thematic boom booms he delivers now and then. Cliffhanger as stated is no different in this and simply the theme with the visuals of mountains and landscapes is all you need to keep this theme close to your heart for a long time. That the rest isn't that majestic to begin with lies with the nature of the film, the spectacular roller coaster of stunts and strong dudes. But it is of course a burden for those liking the theme so much, they think the rest must be the equal of that beauty. It isn't and it is in fact sometimes dark thrilling suspense with a dissonant moment on that part and a somber tone in that statement. It doesn't make the score grand like the theme does, but it certainly makes the movie.

After repeated listens over a basis of 7 years, I finally have figured it out. This score sounds non Trevor Jones like that it actually hints another composer more. The theme, the majestic transportation of vistas and awe is of course Trevor Jones like in all the trademarks but the rest is sometimes so Alan Silvestri like in tone, that I wonder if he didn't compose half of the score. One reason could be (and probably is) that this score was temp tracked with Predator and The Abyss because at times it seriously is heard during the score. Anyway, we start with the main theme, heard in the first and last tracks and consider these two the beauties of the ride, since they are majestic formations of beauty and pride. 'Cliffhanger Theme' and 'End Credits' which is even longer create the magic on screen and on the album with a fantastic theme, easy to be the recommendation for us score buyers. The rest that covers mostly the moody versions of the main theme and the suspense building nature is not that good as the theme alone, which of course makes the score harder to appreciate outside the theme. 'Sarah Falls' is and remains a very disturbing scene in the movie and the suspense sometimes creates a very rushing mood, nonetheless the bells at the end are appropriate and create a very sad feeling, without becoming cliché like.

Cliffhanger mostly from now on returns to the darker side of the story and score, a very short but entertaining theme is heard in 'Tolerated Help' but never becomes the stronger version as heard once and a while in the movie, which is sad. 'Base Jump' and 'Fireside Chat' are the tracks were you notice the careful mood of Alan Silvestri scores like Predator and The Abyss, it took me some time but they are there. Probably a temp track of some sorts. 'Helicopter Fight' explodes on the end with more suspense building action and a welcome main theme performance in the last track closes the score with great awe. All in all, Cliffhanger is a score recommendable for one fact, the theme and the two tracks that cover its pride. Without it, what would have become of the score? The action / suspense works well in the film but not so great on CD, the underscore moments sooth the film but bore a bit on score and it is indeed the saving grace of the theme that makes the score so tasty in the hands of film score collectors. If you still haven't figured it out by now, Cliffhanger hangs in the air for one reason, and don't think it has got something to do with the muscles of Sylvester Stallone.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Cliffhanger Theme (3.49) Excellent Track

2. Sarah's Farewell (2.11)

3. Sarah Falls (3.51)

4. Gabe Returns (1.16)

5. I Understand (1.54)

6. Sunset Searching (1.38)

7. Tolerated Help (1.18)

8. Base Jump (2.54)

9. Bats (4.07)

10. Two Man Job (2.22)

11. Kynette Is Impaled (2.07)

12. Fireside Chat (4.00)

13. Frank's Demise (0.32)

14. Rabbit Hole (2.34)

15. Icy Storm (1.32)

16. Jessie's Release (1.36)

17. Helicopter Fight (5.11)

18. End Credits (7.20) Excellent Track

Total Length: 50.52

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Trevor Jones ===