A Map of the World (1999 Film)
LikeBeyond the Missouri Sky, Pat Metheny's score forA Map of the Worldis music stripped to its most intimate roots. The fusion master is joined here only by acoustic bassist Steve Rodby and percussionist Dave Samuels on 28 vast soundscapes that range from a mere 22-seconds to more than six minutes. Metheny fingerpicks his acoustic guitar throughout these tracks, though a New Age-style keyboard occasionally creeps in. The drama, starring Sigourney Weaver (based on the Jane Hamiltonnovel), obviously has its darker moments, reflected on cues such as "Alone" and "Discovery." But for the most part, this hour-long soundtrack (featuring a full 25 minutes of music not included in the movie) suffers from sonic monotony. The light string orchestrations that accompany some of these tracks never sound original, and Metheny's guitar work--though certainly soulful--lacks its usual improvisational beauty.--Jason Verlinde