Saving Private Ryan: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
What appears on screen during the World War II movieSaving Private Ryansuggests that director Steven Spielberg has studied the hyperviolence of Quentin Tarantino, John Woo, and Stanley Kubrick (thinkFull Metal Jacket). What you hear, however, assures that Spielberg still collects Norman Rockwell paintings. Composed by Spielberg's long-time musical companion, John Williams,Ryandenies the pair's penchant for ebullience in favor of funereal grace. Rather than mirror the visual kinetics, Williams lends the gunfire a tone-poem aura. Oliver Stone'sPlatoonmakes the best comparison; remember how Barber'sAdagio for Stringsaccompanied its most bloody moments? Williams later worked with Stone onJFKandNixon, providing scores so somber, they qualified as morose. They remain two of his best, andSaving Private Ryanshares their restraint.--Marc Weidenbaum