|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Rice Thresher
Phone:
|
Dalton Tomlin Dancer in the Dark will probably end up being the best film of the year. Since it's partially a musical, one would assume its soundtrack, Selmasongs, would reach the same level of quality. Unfortunately, several tracks are different on the album than they are in the actual film and don't convey as much power and emotion as they should. The film stars Icelandic singer Bjork as Selma, a factory worker who's going blind; Bjork also co-wrote all the music. At several points in the film - more a dramatic tragedy than anything else - Selma and the people around her break into large musical numbers, which actually take place in her imagination. The first track is "Overture," a simple, somber instrumental that sounds similar to some of soundtrack composer John Williams' work, especially his score for Saving Private Ryan. It's probably the best stand-alone track, since it opens the film and isn't really attached to any action. Next is "Cvalda," which gets its upbeat, wild rhythm from sounds in the factory; it's certainly the most Bjork-like of all the songs, somewhat like the louder parts of "It's Oh So Quiet." It also has the most fun, nonsensical lyrics, such as "The clatter-machines/They greet you and say,/'We tap out a rhythm and sweep you away!'" "I've Seen It All" is the most meaningful track, conveying Bjork 's feelings about losing her sight. However, the album's version has Radiohead's Thom Yorke singing the male part instead of actor Peter Stormare, making the duet weaker and less enjoyable than the film version. Describing "Scatterheart," "In the Musicals" and "107 Steps" would give away major plot points, but suffice it to say that they're more tragic than the other songs and harder to listen to independent of the film. Finally, "New World," which plays while the credits roll, is a soft, fitting end to a lengthy, highly emotional experience. It has the same theme as "Overture," but with uplifting vocals by Bjork. It's hard to relate to or understand all the songs on Selmasongs without seeing Dancer in the Dark beforehand, so it's probably best to see the film when it opens on Oct. 6 and buy the soundtrack later. Even if you love the film, the soundtrack might not be worth it, considering how much the songs have been changed. - Dalton Tomlin
- back - |
|
|
Search the Thresher pages:
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of: The Rice Thresher, Rice University MS-524, PO Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA. The Thresher Online Project -- ethresh@listserv.rice.edu |
