American Beauty: Original Motion Picture Score
We knew Thomas Newman was versatile (he's created gripping soundtracks for everything fromThe Shawshank RedemptiontoDesperately Seeking Susan), but his score forAmerican Beautyis simply gorgeous and one of his best. Filled with inventive instrumentation--tablas, bird calls, dulcimer, banjo, ukulele, detuned mandolin, and more--the score varies between highly rhythmic, world-music influenced passages ("Dead Already," "Lunch with the King") and the more subdued ("Mr. Smarty-Man," "American Beauty"). Throughout, Newman's score is inventive and a great complement to the dark comedy's numerous mood swings. The movie'sother soundtrack--a collection of memorable alt-rock tracks--gave us just a sampling of this score. Here's the rest. It's short (37 minutes) but sweet.--Jason Verlinde