By Bruce R. MarshallIt’s that time of year when everyone seems to have a ‘Ten Best Films of the Year’ list.
As
this is the last year of the decade, we can also count on being
deluged with ‘Best Films of the Decade’ lists (mine will be coming; be
patient).
Before I started writing about classic films for Cinema Retro,  I primarily wrote about motion picture and television music.
So, for a change of pace I humbly offer ....
“Bruce’s Baker’s Dozen of Great Film Music: 2000-2009â€.
1.  Â
A Scanner Darkly – Graham Reynolds
The
best score of the decade is a dazzling, haunting work from newcomer
Reynolds. The Austin based composer/performer brings all his
considerable skills to bear– he performs and composes jazz, rock, and
classical music- in this wholly original score. To date this is his
only major Hollywood assignment. If it were up to me, Reynolds would
be getting plum assignments like
Watchmen ,
The Incredible Hulk and
2012 instead of the  bland , faceless composers who seem to score film after film. Wake Up Hollywood!
2.  Â
The Road To Perdition – Thomas Newman
3.  Â
Milk – Danny Elfman
4. & 5. Â
A.I. - Artificial Intelligence &Â Â Minority ReportJohn
Williams earns ‘Composer of the Decade’ for these two rich, evocative
scores. Director Steven Spielberg and Williams also teamed up
successfully for yet another science- fiction epic, the spectacular
War of the Worlds. Incredibly, John Williams is still producing great music in his mid seventies!
6.
Lassie -Â Adrian Johnston
This
faithful and moving adaptation of the children’s classic barely
received a theatrical release in the UK or USA. Just as shameful, is
the lack of a soundtrack album. A beautiful score.
7.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron – Hans Zimmer
This
overlooked and underrated animated film from DreamWorks is as good as
anything Disney or Pixar released (with the possible exception of
Wall-E ). Along with the terrific score, it also contains the ‘Best Song of the Decade’, “ Sound the Bugleâ€Â performed Bryan Adams.
8.
Miracle – Mark Isham
This
inspiring and exciting sports film contains ‘The Most Memorable Musical
Moment of the Decade’ ; the walk to the ice by the USA Olympic hockey
team for their momentous match with the USSR. If this doesn’t give you
goosebumps, see a doctor!
9.
Cast Away - Alan Silvestri
The
score for this amazing film totals only 15 minutes yet makes a powerful
impact. Just goes to show you do not have to plaster wall-to-wall music
on every film.
10.
A Beautiful Mind - James Horner
11.
Thirteen Days -Â Trevor Jones
12.
Rabbit Proof Fence - Peter Gabriel
13.
Cold Mountain- Gabriel Yared
Don’t like my picks?
Let me know combrm@yahoo.com
(Note: Remember you can order these soundtracks at discounted rates through Cinema Retro's link to Amazon)