The Horse Whisperer: Original Score
Composing music for a Robert Redford movie is a good thing.Ordinary Peoplemade Pachelbel'sCanon in Da mainstream hit.The Milagro Beanfield Warwon Dave Grusin an Oscar for his charming score, andA River Runs Through Itnabbed a nomination for Mark Isham's popular themes. Thomas Newman's score for Redford's adaptation ofNicholas Evans's bestsellerrelates well to the leisurely paced, nearly three-hour horse drama: it's never complicated. The rhythms of Big Sky country are introduced in a warble of strings in Newman's score and never overstay their welcome. Newman's dexterity in building various layers is more apparent in his scores forThe PlayerandThe People Vs. Larry Flynt, but those are more acidic movies (and scores). Most of the film's country-music sting originates with the songs that are available on aseparate soundtrack album. There's more fluidity on this CD and, at nearly an hour of music, the disc lets Newman's score ease over you.--Doug Thomas