Bourne Again Music Worth Hearing
Trained super assassin Jason Bourne knows what need be done, despite rhyme or reason. What he doesn't know can kill him, and quickly. We moviegoers like to ring up big box office bucks watching this wanted stranger survive in a world strung out as one nail-biting action sequence after another; the new Ultimatum promises more of the same, this time going deeper into Bourne's own memory and thought. What makes Bourne movies so likable, so successful? Can't be all on account of Matt Damon, otherwise The Brothers Grimm should have raked in $200 million a few years ago. Perhaps "amnesia" is the hottest plot point in movies... no, anyone heard of Code Name: The Cleaner? Thought not. We'll settle on slick production values like dizzying camera work and fast editing as supporting roles that make these movies what they are, but when push comes to shove (or when forgetting comes to dodging bullets), we say it's the percussive techno-like thunder of a score that defines every thrilling Bourne moment. Composer John Powell's 55-minute The Bourne Ultimatum soundtrack CD plays intensely fast from start to finish, but in ways a little less extreme (Moby!) this time around, as the score involves introspective moments not heard previously. Significantly raising the orchestral palette in the raw mix of electronics and heavy ethnic percussion eases these transitions into quieter moments. But as Jason Bourne experiences, times of solace are far outweighed by times of chase and giving chase. Thus, the unsurprising highlights of this third Bourne soundtrack are the generously long and propelling action pieces. Thematic development remains strong throughout, culminating in resounding finish as a lonely Bourne discovers his identity. Let's just say this: if you own the first and second Bourne soundtrack CDs, you don't own the third!
PK (8/1/2007)see all reviews, or add a review
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