And Independence Day had it's moments, but not enough.

The bottom line is: I don't hate David Arnold, I just hate his most recent work. Hope this clears everything up.

Now, let's get on with the show.

I should point out that "tune-writing" is not necessarily the key to composition; Elliot Goldenthal and, sometimes, Christopher Young seem to have a tough time writing identifiable themes, but their actual music is muscular and well-spotted. Not so Arnold, not so far.

A refreshing British sound permeates his music reminding me in a way of early Barry but mostly Roy Budd and Ron Goodwin.

It seems he only Delivers Bombast these days. I am behind him but, like you guys have already said, he needs to live up to his promise.

quote:

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Originally posted by HAL 2000:
I am forced to agree. Arnold's Stargate was one of the biggest surprises of recent years and had me beleiveing that this composer was poised to takeover the film muisc scene. It has been anticlimax ever since. He only does one or two films a year and that's OK but his evolution is slow in coming.

A refreshing British sound permeates his music reminding me in a way of early Barry but mostly Roy Budd and Ron Goodwin.

It seems he only delivers bombast these days. I am behind him but, like you guys have already said, he needs to live up to his promise.

However I do confess that Independence Day, both score and film, are guilty pleasures of mine.

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Of course, I'm a big fan of Goldsmith, Williams, Horner, Elfman, Broughton, Jones, David Newman, etc... I like just about every form of film music out there. Perhaps I'm more open minded, or perhaps I just have a greater appreciation for what these guys have to contribute.

Regardless, we all have our own opinions. What is important is that we enjoy what we have. If you don't like a certain something, stay away from it. Personally, I enjoy not being so critical of other people's work. It makes it so much easier to enjoy a larger scope of things.

Oh well.... sigh.

Jeron

I cannot understand your opinions, but I don't want a fight. I respect your opinions however they conflict with mine.

Last of the Dogmen -- great score. Grand theme, in the same tradition of Barry's Dances score.

Stargate -- chock full of the kind of stuff that makes great compilations, ie "Mastadge Drag", "Going Home." Too bad the movie really really stunk. Could've been so good.

TWINE -- suffers from a poor CD. I actually liked it in the film. Thought it was very good. I don't know why so many people dislike it.

NP : - see above

He is one of those with dual backgrounds - part rock, part classical - and it really goes to show in his scores, especially the Bond ones (IMO, two excellent contributions to the franchise), coupling rugged disco rhythms with that uncanny Jarresque/LAWRENCE OF ARABIA symphony grandeur. Or his breaktrough score - the restrained YOUNG AMERICANS.

It is not easy to blow on to the scene with a semi-masterpiece such as STARGATE. Doyle has experienced much of the same when he surfaced with the majestic HENRY V.

I don't agree with most of the stuff you guys have to say on Arnold. I think his film scores have only gotten better. StarGate, Dogmen, and ID4 are wonderful scores, but much too overblown. In Godzilla and TND he shows some restraint. (he still has a ways to go, though) Also in Godzilla he starts to show that he's conscious of form- there's only one climax in the score whereas ID4 has many.

I think the reason why many of you hate Arnold's newer scores is because he uses lots of electronics and drum machines. It's a shame you people can't be more opened minded. I thought TWINE was Arnold's career best. Sure, I'd love to see him work on a drama and work with a small orchestra and write for many instrumental solos, however I'm happy with Arnold's current output and I've always been thoroughly entertained by his music.

Most composers simply do not come straight out of the box with a score like Stargate. Maybe we're expecting more of him than we should.

mlw (Mr. Ware, isn't it) sums it up perfectly and characteristically tersely: Arnold has no form and nothing to say. That's been my impression. STARGATE, while enjoyable, has no heft -- diabetic candy for the ear.