The Luzhin Defence
The title of Marleen Gorris's film (based on Vladimir Nabokov'sThe Defense) refers to a chess strategy, and this tale of a socially challenged game master could be seen as a chess-world parallel toShine. It's also a grand showcase for the budding talents of French composer Alexandre Desplat, whose sprightly, surprising score is one of the film's greatest revelations. Using spare piano melodies interwoven with a masterful use of the London Symphony Orchestra, Desplat's score is classically oriented (and is seamlessly augmented by portions of Shostakovich'sJazz Suite No. 2), yet evokes shifting colors of modernism, romance, and mystery that keep the listener intrigued. Using a light melodic touch that can turn darkly enigmatic in a heartbeat, Desplat's work here often recalls the music ofDelerueandMorricone, and hints at great things to come.- Jerry McCulley