The Gospel of John
Taking its name and inspiration from one of the New Testament's most complete and compelling accounts of the life, death and miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ, director Phillip Saville's film isn't so much adaptation as a literal cinematic translation that includes (via dialog and/or narration) every sword of John's gospel. The film's virtual-Bible spirit has inspired composer Jeff Danna towards a similarly ambitious fusion score, if one that's ultimately largely a shrewdly crafted illusion. While performing actual music from the period was virtually impossible (written records of the era's musical oeuvre are non-existent), utilizing period instrument recreations was not. Thus Danna's orchestral score eschews much of the romantic pomp of typical Hollywood biblical soundtracks for a more intimate, mystery-suffused approach that incorporates a variety of ancient and indigenous instruments to good effect. The result is music that seems rooted in the East, yet projected through Western traditions, an apt musical metaphor for the journey of Christianity itself.--Jerry McCulley