Deep Rising

Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Lable (Release Year): Hollywood Records (1998)
Availability: ****
Rating: ****

Sometimes, it amazes me that a busy and premium composer like Jerry Goldsmith would score a movie like this. Deep Rising is about a sea monster attacked a luxury liner in South China Sea. A small group of people is trapped in the liner and they have to find ways to fight the monster while they are killed one by one. We have seen that story so many times and Deep Rising offers nothing new, literally. So why would Jerry Goldsmith find time to score a poor movie that does not sell? (Goldsmith scored Leviathan, a similar movie, years ago also) Anyway, I got a chance to see the movie and was impressed by, of course, Goldsmith's score. After watching the opening sequence, I know that I am getting the soundtrack for sure.

This soundtrack is well worth your money. The main theme can be heard very quickly after an ominous horn introduction. There are two parts to the main theme. The first one has a "goofy" horn melody plays over a vintage Goldsmith timpani background. The second one has very fast paced rhythm and an exciting brass motif. It is definitely vintage Goldsmith (maybe better): extremely enjoyable percussive rhythm and bold horn melody. There is no doubt that it one of the best action theme he has ever composed. The exhilarating persuccion and explosive brass sounds maintain pretty much thoughout the score. There are ominous moments that resembles Alien a little bit. "E Ticket" and "Hang On" are some of the best action cues I have not heard in a while. If you like "action Goldsmith", you are really missing something if you have not heard this score. It's just kind of strange that one of the most exciting Goldsmith scores belong to this movie.



    Track Listing:
  1. Underwater Grave (2:40)
  2. Lost Communication (3:00)
  3. Collision Course (1:18)
  4. Boarding (3:50)
  5. Wet Repairs (2:29)
  6. Let's Make a Deal (6:57)
  7. Wall of Water (3:23)
  8. Leila's Gone (2:09)
  9. E Ticket (3:40)
  10. Hang On (2:55)
    Total Time: 32:21
Review Date: 3/6/00

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