| Alien Resurrection |
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Composed by John Frizzell |
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Orchestrated by Brad Dechter, Pete Anthony, Jeff Atmajian, Frank Bennett, Robert Elhai, and Don Nemitz Conducted by Artie Kane Produced by John Frizzell Release Date: 1997 |
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With no two films utilizing the same composer, the Alien franchise has had the benefit of four composers all bringing their unique musical tastes and sensibilities to the series. For the fourth, and so far final, film in the franchise, John Frizzell was contracted to provide the score. In some ways, his music is a return to the Goldsmith and Horner style from the first two films, and in others he provides a nod to Elliot Goldenthal's contribution as well as establishing his own signature through the music. Thus, while the music is a mix of beautifully haunting cues and the intense chaotic refrains of nature gone horribly wrong, it's quite a strong score that has made a good first impression on me for Frizzell's capabilities. It goes without saying that the longer a franchise stays around, the more quality seeps away. This has been true from the Bond films to even the most beloved franchise of all time (which shall remain nameless). The same holds true with the Alien series, but perhaps more so that most. The first two films were enjoyable, though Alien Resurrection, while containing some interesting ideas and visuals, just wasn't that enjoyable. Just take Aliens and replace battle-hardened soldiers with scummy pirates and you basically get the synopsis. With talk of another Alien film, I'm skeptical as to what direction they can take the franchise and make an entertaining film at the same time. Frizzell himself suffers the curse that hit the first two film's composers (I'm not sure about Goldnethal's score), in that the opening title was segued into the ending of Goldsmith's main theme from the first film. While no where near suffering the humiliation that Horner endured from James Cameron, I still find it interesting that this would happen. Frizzell's main theme is no slouch and he makes sure it is not just a way to open the film by utilizing it quite often, even in what would be otherwise totally horror cues. And make no mistake, being an Alien score, there are plenty of these to go around, especially in the latter half of the score. The music blends in the creepy atonal qualities that made up the first film's score, the militaristic percussion usage from Horner's stint, and the enterprising use of a chorus that Goldenthal first pioneered for the franchise. While one can easily discern these influences, the score is very much Frizzell's and seems to be more of his way of providing a nod to the ever evolving musical tone of the series as opposed to just trying to take different elements from each composer as a method of composing the score. His use of electronics is also decidedly different from Goldsmith's and comes very close to hitting a "fingernails-on-chalkboard" sound that can successfully make one's skin crawl (just take a listen at the opening of The Battle with the Newborn for an example of this). Alien Resurrection is definitely a strong entry into the franchise, and I was impressed how Frizzell handled the music for this film. It is definitely easier on the ears (for all chaos that this score does contain) for those who just couldn't get into Goldenthal's previous contribution. **** |
| Track Listing - Total Running Time: 45:30 | |
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