Divergence of Two Soundtracks in a Single Film: An In-Depth Analysis

When a movie producer hires two composers to create separate soundtracks for a film, the end result can often be quite different. This phenomenon is best illustrated by the case of Legend, directed by Ridley Scott. Two composers, Jerry Goldsmith and Tangerine Dream, were tasked with writing music for the film, leading to vastly different musical compositions that each offered a unique experience for viewers, depending on the version they chose to see.

The Landscape of Legend Soundtracks

Legend tells the story of two different men, a prince and a thief, both played by Tom Brooke and Glenn Close, respectively. The film had two different soundtracks, each significantly different from the other. The European and Japanese release, along with the director's cut home video version, uses Jerry Goldsmith's score. In contrast, the standard US release features the soundtrack by Tangerine Dream. This deliberate choice by the film studio demonstrates the power of music in shaping the overall mood and atmosphere of a cinematic experience.

Assessing Jerry Goldsmith's Score

When discussing Jerry Goldsmith's contribution to the film, one must first acknowledge the rich and varied career of this renowned composer. Goldsmith's score for Legend has a distinct quality often described as campy or overly theatrical. However, it's crucial to delve into why this might be the case and how it affects the perception of the film.

Goldsmith's style is often associated with expansive, orchestral works. His use of strings and brass creates a grand and somewhat over-the-top atmosphere. For example, his opening theme features a bold, sweeping melody that can be reminiscent of the epic themes found in other classics of his works. However, this style can sometimes feel overbearing and less subtle, which some viewers may find unappealing. In the case of Legend, the use of this style might contribute to a more fantastical and epic feel, potentially overshadowing the more nuanced performances and visual storytelling.

Evaluating Tangerine Dream's Contribution

Tangerine Dream, on the other hand, brings a different approach to the score. This electronic music group is known for their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic soundscapes. In the context of Legend, their score creates a sense of eerie and otherworldly atmosphere that complements the film's mysterious and dark undertones. The use of electronic elements can add a sense of intrigue and suspense to the film, drawing the viewer deeper into the narrative.

Tangerine Dream's music often includes ambient sounds and repetitive patterns that can create a hypnotic and labyrinthine effect. This can be particularly effective in scenes that require a sense of detachment or disorientation, aligning well with the film's themes of duality and transformation. The electronic elements can also contribute to creating a more modern and experimental feel, which may resonate differently with contemporary audiences.

The Influence of Personal Preference

The preference between Goldsmith's and Tangerine Dream's scores is largely subjective and influenced by personal taste. Many viewers, including myself, found Goldsmith's score to be more campy and less engaging. This might be due to the fact that the music's grandiosity can sometimes detract from the subtlety of the performances and the film's overall atmosphere. Tangerine Dream's score, with its electronic and ambient elements, offers a more immersive and atmospheric experience that can enhance the psychological and psychological tension in the film.

It is worth noting that this preference is also influenced by the exposure to the other version. In many cases, viewers who first encounter the film with Tangerine Dream's score might find this a more appealing listening experience and thus might find Goldsmith's score less engaging. This highlights the importance of context in the perception of music within films.

Conclusion: The Importance of Composition in Cinematography

The choice between two distinct soundtracks in Legend serves as a powerful example of how music can deeply influence a film's overall impact. The deliberate decision to use different scores for different versions of the film highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of various elements in the cinematic process. Whether it's the choice of genre, style, or emotional resonance, a well-crafted soundtrack can significantly alter the viewer's experience and perception of a film.

In conclusion, the divergence of two soundtracks in a single film, as seen in Legend, showcases the creative freedom and commitment to artistic vision that filmmakers can achieve. Whether favoring the grandeur of Goldsmith's score or the electronic allure of Tangerine Dream's, both approaches contribute to the rich tapestry of film music and underscore the profound impact that music can have on the overall success and reception of a film.

Keywords

soundtrack, film music, movie composers, cinematic atmosphere, music production