If you've been thirsting for a good horror score for a while, let the quenching begin. The quality of this summer's scores has just ratcheted up a few notches, thanks to The Others, a smart mix of horrorific music styles of both old and new. If you don't listen closely, you'll miss it - the orchestration is an important part of this score's success; at times you'll here instrumental influences from a number of great orchestrators, namely Bernard Herrmann, Arthur Morton and even Don Davis. The main melody, though, mostly and nicely hidden away, belongs to Alejandro Amenabar.

(He composed the score and directed the film)

--Brian
Gryffindor Seeker

"The Others" marks Alejandro Amenábar's first English-speaking film. A man of many talents, Amenábar is a successful director, writer, and composer. Only twenty-nine years old, "The Others" is already Amenábar's third feature film.

Amenábar has received numerous awards for his first two films. His 1995 film debut "Tesis" (Thesis), which he wrote, directed, and scored, was released worldwide. It began the 1998 Berlin Film Festival as the Panarama opening film. It went on to win seven Spanish Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Script and Best Director.

His second film, "Abre Los Ojos" (Open Your Eyes), became one of Spain's highest grossing films ever. Acting as writer, director and composer once again, the 1997 film also received worldwide distribution. In addition to serving as the Panarama opening film at the 1998 Berlin Film festival, "Abre Los Ojos" appeared at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Prix at the 1998 Tokyo International Film Festival. Its success spurred Hollywood to adapt a version for English-speaking audiences. Director Cameron Crowe's "Vanilla Sky," currently in post-production, is based on the Spanish film. It stars Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, and Penelope Cruz, and is produced by Cruise/Wagner Productions.

Born in Chile, Alejandro Amenábar has spent most of his life in Spain. He currently resides in Madrid.

Composer's Statement

Film music has always been an essential part of my life. It was my avid listening to soundtracks as a child that inspired my interest in movies. I then started writing and composing melodies for my little stories...and then one day, I ended up directing. That is why for me, the process of making a picture involves a complete integration of music/sound and image. From the moment I come up with an idea for the story, I can't help sitting at a keyboard and playing possible melodies for it. I just feel sorry for my flatmates, who have had to suffer my less than inspired moments. This soundtrack is dedicated to them, for reading, watching and listening to my work with sincere and generous support.

- Alejandro Amenábar

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Originally posted by Crono/Kyp:
He was born in 1972.

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It's pleasing to me to see that you can do math, Bri! Good job.

Thanks for the info, Peter. That's really interesting. Director/Writer/Composer types are far and few between... but gosh, when it comes together, I guess it really comes together. I'm anxious to see this film.

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Originally posted by Scott:
Interesting, to say the least.

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I have been getting much more into the horror genre of film music the last few years, and did basically the same thing last year with Lost Souls. Both, from the description sound like worthy additions to one's collection. Oh well, I'll try to pick then up in the upcoming month.

BTW, how long is the CD?

I am reading reviews of this score at various online outlets and sense most reviewers aren't really listening to this music. Some have said there are no themes, others have said they've heard only one. Some have said Amenabar's music is atmospheric or moody and nothing more.

What, I wonder, has prevented us from hearing this music? Have the over-the-top Wagnerian-like scores from Zimmer, Silvestri or Williams destroyed our ability to recognize a very smart, subtle thematic score like The Others?

There are two very important themes in this score, one of which is as intricately involved as the Back to the Future theme is to Back to the Future. Like the others (the subject in the film), the theme is hidden well. Sometimes only an augment of this theme is heard, other times the theme is entirely heard, but almost not, as the tempo has been so altered it may buzz by one as simple atmosphere.

I guess, unless it is like Zimmer's wall-to-wall wallpaper sound, that drives the music into a sort of unending bombast, people just rather not deal with it. The same is for the movies as well. Basically, it seems most in the general populace want loud music and SFX, over something with even the slightest amount of subtlety. Or when, skill or paying attention is needed to get the full effect. All in all, most don't want to think while watching films. I guess the same applies to listening to music.

I think we all have that side of our personalities, where we just want something that we don't need to think much about. However, these days, that is about all that seems to be made. Well, movie wise. The music hasn't been totally effected. But, the people listening to it have to a point. Oh well, I am just glad there are still those who can appreciate everything for what it is!

BTW, thanks to the praise here, I decided to buy the score. I'll let you all know what I think when I get it!

This is one superb score. The first track "Abre Los Ojos" is an orchestral beauty. Great, great stuff.

I wonder how many other undiscovered gems there are sitting out there.........Hope this guy gets more opportunities now that he's staked his claim on Hollywood.

thanks for giving this great score a public ear, because it deserves it !! This is one new and fresh look at horror movie scoring.
It has almost a Mahler - like quality to it.
I don´t know how many times I have heard this score, but it is just amazing. My favorite cue is A GOOD MOTHER, with that beautiful orchestral climax.

Well, thanks Peter , for bringing up this great score, it deserves recognition !

Best Wishes

Philipp

P.s.: Where can I get Abre los ojos ?

How often do I recommend something, honestly?