The Goldenthal Score for BF and B&R

[Gianakin_]

I looked through the 4 pages of this board and didn't find a topic for the Goldenthal music. I don't know how much merit this would have, but here goes:

This topic is, obviously, to discuss about what Elliot Goldenthal brought to the mythos musically.

Personally, I think he is a musical genius: Frida, Interview with the Vampire, Heat, some of my best musical scores ever.
Schumacher made the right choice in picking him, but... he also made the wrong choice in "directing" him. His music was too theatrical and slapstick at moments, also too self-aware (like when Dick kisses the girl after he saved her from the Neon-thugs in BF).
When I separate the main theme from those two movies, I kinda like its march-like quality. Plus, either in context or out of context of B&R, I find his Robin theme exceptional.
In a weird way, I can't trash the music as it mostly worked for the films (except for the parts where I found it unbearable). I'd call it mediocre overall. Also, Elfman being before him has nothing to do with it, I don't find Goldenthal's Bat-theme iconic on its own at all. I do find it memorable, though.

So, what do you think?

 

[Cain]

I'm in the minority that liked his scores they were as bombastic as the films they were made for in that sense they were as much a character as Elfman's scores were to Burton's films. Same for BB with Zimmer/Newton Howards muted & complimentary score. It captured the tone perfectly in audio. The only times I really thought it went overboard were like in BF when Batman drives up the building and the horns blare playing tribute to the 60's TV theme and Two-Face cries like a little girl. It was just tremendously cheesy also in B&R anytime Uma flaps her gums and they play that jazzy pseudo porn music. Those little touches were too over the top aside from that though it was good stuff. I liked the main themes alot they sounded heroic and not overtly dark it captured the vibe of a pulp serial like world.

 

[Milu]

I liked the ositano (sp?) that would play as Batman made his entrance. No, not the main theme, but that 3-note fanfare (which is played, for example, when he crashes through the hotel skyline, or when he emerges from the subway fire).

 

[El Payaso]

I liked BF soundtrack. I even used some tracks for a play I wrote back in 1995, lol. True story.

 

[Gianakin_]

Really? What kind of play?

 

[money]

I just find it impossible to judge his music fairly. Elfman was king. It was ridiculous not to use him. I just cant get past that to give goldenthal a chance. The loss of elfman probably bugged me as much, if not more, than the loss of keaton.

 

[Gianakin_]

But don't think of it as opposed to Elfman. This topic is to talk if you liked it by itself.

 

[Mr. Socko]

Goldenthal's score was perfect for Schumacher's films. It was over the top, blazing, and triumphant. In the context of what Schumacher set forth, it was great. It really stands out, I enjoyed it.

 

[Carusos Shades]

Hated some parts,especially in the two face car chase. Really got on my nerves,there!!

 

[Gianakin_]

What did you guys think about Robin's theme in B&R?

 

[Milu]

Robin's theme reminded me a little of the rebel fanfare from Star Wars.

 

[Gianakin_]

Now that you say it... that's right. Well, it certainly explains why I love it, heh!

 

[Two-Face]

Goldenthal's scores are not bad but yeah he wasn't directed by Burton.

 

[Bat-Mite]

I loved the opening theme for Batman Forever. Not as iconic as Elfman's score, sure, but it was still a very good theme.

 

[Gotham22]

I liked it. I wish the score for B&R was release commerically.

 

[Dark Angel]

I adore what Goldenthal did on schumachers batmans films. Especially BF. So, now i've got all the music from Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, and i even have the full conductors score. I've requested it from WB. Company, but i spend a lot of me, cause every track was 500$. But, hey i think now im the only person who owns all those unreleased music from these films. I think im the craziest of all Goldenthals fans.

 

[Gianakin_]

Wow, that is a lot of money!

 

[Rockbottom]

I love the theme and most of his work on the movie. The end tunnel dive sticks out for me, that was really well done.

 

[Milu]

Goldenthal probably has one of the biggest orchestras in the business with a 100-piece orch. If anything, I'm surprised DA didn't have to pay more to get those unreleased cues .

 

[Cain]

I adore what Goldenthal did on schumachers batmans films. Especially BF. So, now i've got all the music from Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, and i even have the full conductors score. I've requested it from WB. Company, but i spend a lot of me, cause every track was 500$. But, hey i think now im the only person who owns all those unreleased music from this films. I think im the craziest of all Goldenthals fans.

Now that's dedication.

 

[Dark Angel]

Goldenthal probably has one of the biggest orchestras in the business with a 100-piece orch. If anything, I'm surprised DA didn't have to pay more to get those unreleased cues .

You're wrong my dear. Its cost my parents a big sum of money, but oh well they are very rich enough to afford it. They let me do it because they know how im obsessed with Goldenthals music. You know all those tracks are of such quality, kinda of DVD waw quality. I've never heared music with such quality. It rocks!

 

[lonzoe]

I think Goldenthal's score to BF is one of the BEST things to come out of BF.I think the movie wouldn't have been as good without it, IMO. The score fit Schumacher's vision like a glove. I even prefer this score over BB. I also enjoy Goldenthal's other work as well like Alien 3, Demolition Man, etc. Goldenthal is right under Elfman and Walker when it comes to Batman scores. Nolan needs to take notes on how to take advantage of his composers. I mean he got rid of David Julyan, his regular composer, and hired two A-list composers only for them write a C-list score. Hopefully he won't that mistake on TDK. Back on topic I enjoy Goldenthal's score on it's own and when compared to Elfman,Walker, and ESPECIALLY Zimmer and Howard's Batman scores.

 

[TLH]

I think Goldenthal's score to BF is one of the BEST things to come out of BF.I think the movie wouldn't have been as good without it, IMO. The score fit Schumacher's vision like a glove. I even prefer this score over BB. I also enjoy Goldenthal's other work as well like Alien 3, Demolition Man, etc. Goldenthal is right under Elfman and Walker when it comes to Batman scores. Nolan needs to take notes on how to take advantage of his composers. I mean he got rid of David Julyan, his regular composer, and hired two A-list composers only for them write a C-list score. Hopefully he won't that mistake on TDK. Back on topic I enjoy Goldenthal's score on it's own and when compared to Elfman,Walker, and ESPECIALLY Zimmer and Howard's Batman scores.

Batman has always been lucky to have great scores composed for the franchise's films. Goldenthal's was a great addition, although Elfman's will forever BE the definitive Batman score. Zimmer and Howard, like Nolan, took the franchise in a completely different (and amazing) direction. I loved how low key Zimmer's scores were; Howards were very moving.

 

[Milu]

Let's not forget Neal Hefti's contributions .

 

[Gianakin_]

Neal Hefti? Do tell about him.