American History X
The idea of hiring a former member of the Art of Noise to score a dramatic film about deadly racism seems as sensible as existing solely on pizza from Chuck E. Cheese. But Anne Dudley gave up on skittering electronic pop long ago (though not before doing some damage in collaboration with Frankie Goes to Hollywood). She conjured an offbeat vibe forThe Crying Game, then earned an Oscar in 1997 for the score toThe Full Monty. WithAmerican History X, Dudley takes her most serious turn, composing a suite of songs that reflect the foreboding, tragic plot of Tony Kaye's startling film. Using Tchaikovsky-like orchestration and a pristine boys' choir, she covers a range of emotions. A string section's squalls evoke high-pitched tension; a brass-led movement reflects sorrow and frustration; the soaring voices suggest redemption. It's a moving score, at once troubling and hopeful.--Richard Martin