Charlotte Gray (2001 Film)
What would inspire a young Scottish woman to parachute into Europe and join the underground French Resistance during World War II's darkest hours? If we're to believe this tale, 'twas simply love for her captured boyfriend. While it boasts another stellar turn by star Cate Blanchett and the promising involvement of Oscar®-winningShakespeare in Lovecomposer Stephen Warbeck, the latter's orchestral score ultimately points up a sometimes troubling aspect of film projects: the brooding, subtly dramatic cues that work so well in a film can be a mighty dry 50-minute listen divorced from their imagery. The coloration of Warbeck's writing here is superb; it evokes period, place, and dangerous circumstance with a quiet grace. But the lack of strong melodic themes and, especially, a greater dynamic range hamper the soundtrack album's appeal. While some may find its quiet, autumnal tone a distinctly subdued mood setter, others may find its sharp contrast withShakepeare's vigor a bit ponderous.--Jerry McCulley