A soundtrack for devastation.

Rating: 8/10 (20 April 2002)

Early this morning (4/20/02) I watched this movie for the second time and I must say this viewing was more depressing than the first. When I speak of depressing, I do not imply that this movie bored me. When I speak of depressing I mean I left the theater with a tear trickling down my cheek.

The story of this movie can be told through the compilation of songs with an attitude as well as the score. I never really paid attention to the score in the movies I view. I always thought of it as somewhat of a mood enhancer that has the capability to be annoying. I never intended to, but for some reason i paid close attention to the music; this could be because I knew the outcome...who knows.
The music portrays the spirits and optimism of the American soldiers when they feel the situation is under control. House of Pain's "Jump around playing as the soldiers are getting prepared for a fly-by with ease mission. Jmi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child" being covered, yet containing those edgy spine-tingling riffs that made the song famous as the blackhawk's and little bird's are flying out. The optimism of the music is almost an assurance that things are under control; then the score by Hans Zimmer turns confidence to fear. As the movie progresses and the viewer witnesses american soldiers die, the music gradually becomes more and more catastrophic in tone. Throughout the duration of this movie, the music threw me into an emotional downward spiral. I'll never forget the overbearing death dirge that closes out this movie as it fades to black.
In conclusion, it was not only the on-screen attachments to the characters that made this movie masochistic. It was the soundtrack and score that ripped your still-beating heart out of your chest and forever stamped foot prints on your mind