Moonraker Score
chrisno1
LondonPosts: 3,267MI6 Agent
Having seen MR at the BFI recently, I was really struck (again!) by how good the soundtrack is.
Barry has always done sterling work on 007 (even when his work's been a bit below par, it's always got something to recommend) but this score IMO is right up there with TB, YOLT and OHMSS.
Just a few examples:
1. Revamped zippy JB Theme during the skydive stunt.
2. Beautiful theme song
3. The approach to Drax's chateau
4. The death of Corrine - a really frightening piece this, more like an excert from a horror movie, brilliantly done and excellent sound and film editing in the sequence too
5. Cable car fight, a punchy theme that matches the nature of the jerky, awkward fight
6. 007 Theme, slowed down, to good effect for the boat chase
7. Excellent haunting score as Bond enters the pyramid.
8. Similarly spooky introduction to the Space Station, which then turns quite operatic, matching the grandiose design
9. Super little disco-fied version of MR played over the end titles.
There may be a couple of dud bits (The Magnificent 7 anyone?) and the gondola ride hurts, but over all, MR score is still high in my estimation.
Barry has always done sterling work on 007 (even when his work's been a bit below par, it's always got something to recommend) but this score IMO is right up there with TB, YOLT and OHMSS.
Just a few examples:
1. Revamped zippy JB Theme during the skydive stunt.
2. Beautiful theme song
3. The approach to Drax's chateau
4. The death of Corrine - a really frightening piece this, more like an excert from a horror movie, brilliantly done and excellent sound and film editing in the sequence too
5. Cable car fight, a punchy theme that matches the nature of the jerky, awkward fight
6. 007 Theme, slowed down, to good effect for the boat chase
7. Excellent haunting score as Bond enters the pyramid.
8. Similarly spooky introduction to the Space Station, which then turns quite operatic, matching the grandiose design
9. Super little disco-fied version of MR played over the end titles.
There may be a couple of dud bits (The Magnificent 7 anyone?) and the gondola ride hurts, but over all, MR score is still high in my estimation.
Comments
Roger Moore 1927-2017
The death of Corrine always reminds me of the Morricone "Dollars" trilogy, the deep heavy notes symbolising approaching death.
My particular favourite bits are the pre-credits sequence, arrival at the chateau (one of Barry's finest pieces ever), the death of Corinne, the Venice lab, the Gondola chase and the flight into space amongst a few other strong contenders.
I feel the soundtrack doesn't do justice to the score, mainly because it excludes all cues containing the Bond theme. What remains on the album is a fine piece of work, but it doesn't seem like Bond music somehow, except for the 007 theme, which I don't like in the slow tempo.