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MUSIC AT THE OSCARS - Part 3: The Kite Runner
By Scott Gwin: 2008-02-23 13:59:30
SOUNDTRACK REVIEW:
The Kite Runner Alberto Iglesias Type: Score Label: Deutsche Grammophon IN A NUTSHELL: The score from The Kite Runner is a wonderful exploration of a story through the sounds of the places where the story takes place. Most of the recent films set in the Middle East employ the same instruments and regional styles, but since they’re generally stories about war they deliver a harsher treatment. Iglesias’ presents a more tender touch, one worthy of a story about a smaller struggle, but one no less important for the world to see and hear. When it come to the Best Picture category, foreign language films tend to get the same jilting treatment that animation features have come to endure. In 1956 the Academy added in the Best Foreign Language category. Up until that point only one foreign language film had received a Best Picture nomination and since then only seven have been nominated. None have ever won in that category. That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of great foreign-language films submitted each year. But, since they have their own category and since most American movie-goers tend to shy away from anything that requires them to read subtitles (hey, most members of the Academy aren’t necessarily any less lazy that the rest of the nation), it’s my opinion that foreign-language films tend to get the snub in the Best Picture category. However, one place foreign movies do get their props is the area of artistic design. Apparently the Academy appreciates how pretty foreign languages films are, it’s just the parts where talking is involved, like story and acting that they loose interest. Original score, in particular, is an area where attention gets paid, both in nominations and wins. This year The Kite Runner represents the non-English language films in the best score category. There’s an added twist to its international flavor, though. While most of the movie is set in Afghanistan, filmmakers turned to Spanish composer Alberto Iglesias to craft the music. Iglesias is no stranger to the realms of international music. While most of his credited work has been for Spanish projects, he’s worked on films from around the globe. The Kite Runner marks his first major foray into the Middle East, but given the similarities between the roots and musical histories of the Arab and Spanish regions, Iglesias’ style fits right in. Right from the beginning, the score sets a barren, stark mood with a touch of tragedy. Like the film, Iglesias builds the tension slowly in his cues, generally keeping to the background subtle instrumentations. But, when the occasions arise Iglesias is there with intense percussions and aching melodies. In the midst of Iglesias’ music are several songs by Middle Eastern songwriters/performers including Ehsan Aman (“Omain E Aman”, “Dukhtare Darya”) and Sami Yusuf (“Supplication”). There’s a sharp contract between Iglesias’ somber styles and the more rhythmic songs, but they mesh to bring a direct focus on the characters’ struggles and the world that creates them. Yusuf’s “Supplication” strikes an interesting chord, merging the a harsher Middle Eastern style of chanting with a grave melody. The lyrics are offered in the languages of the film and the song sets an unmistakable mood for the entire story. The score from The Kite Runner is a wonderful exploration of a story through the sounds of the places where the story takes place. Most of the recent films set in the Middle East employ the same instruments and regional styles, but since they’re generally stories about war they deliver a harsher treatment. Iglesias’ presents a more tender touch, one worthy of a story about a smaller struggle, but one no less important for the world to see and hear. REVIEWER’S FAVORITE TRACK: “Fly A Kite” - I’m a sucker for softer cues, and the track is simple, touching and an example of Iglesias’ ability to weave wonderful music.
RELATED: soundtracks, music at the oscars, the kite runner, alberto iglesias
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April 9th, 2008 at 15:17
What is the song/ music that plays when the boy is dancing just before when he is rescued ?