MISERY

MARC SHAIMAN

Rating:

Original Review: Misery was an interesting movie in more ways than one. Firstly, it was the film which initiated the now tired and clichéd "(Insert Name Here) from Hell" genre of movies which spawned a thousand rip-offs including the likes of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle and Single White Female. Secondly, it featured one of the most disturbing and unforgettable images ever committed to celluloid. Honestly, knowing what you know now, can anyone still watch the legendary hobbling scene without cringing even before Kathy Bates has lifted the sledgehammer above the prone body of James Caan? Thirdly, and most interestingly, it initiated the career of a certain well-known film music composer by the name of Marc Shaiman. Shaiman was known in the business primarily as an arranger and musical director before his fruitful foray into feature films and, although he is now most famous for his comedy-tinged scores such as City Slickers and The Addams Family, Misery is more an exercise in suspense and heart-stopping drama. Shaiman's score is split into a series of fairly lengthy suites that run at around six minutes and, although there is no strong, recognisable main theme, it is dominated by sombre strings and subtle piano solos which amble along at a leisurely pace creating a feeling of oppression and claustrophobia which permeates the entire score. Occasionally Shaiman does inject a kind of playful, melodic warmth into the proceedings (such as in the bouncy 'Buster's Last Stand') to lift the mood of the music, and there are a few lively violin-led action sequences embedded in cues such as 'Open House', 'Go To Your Room' and the tragic, horrific finale of 'Misery's Return'. However, the overall effect of musically representing terror, alienation and solitude does tend to wear the listener down after a while and, if you have an aversion to atmosphere-driven scores that create an ambience rather than present a memorable main theme, I would recommend caution. Although the score is appropriate and effective, it is most certainly not the most uplifting listening experience in the world. Since the collapse of the Bay Cities record label, Misery has become an album in short supply and increasing demand. If you do happen to come across it, I probably would recommend snapping it up while it is there. Not only is the soundtrack comparatively scarce, but it is also offers a rare chance to hear Marc Shaiman in full-on dramatic mode.

Track Listing: Running Time: 30 minutes 01 seconds

Bay Cities BCD-3011 (1990)

Music composed by Marc Shaiman. Conducted by Dennis Dreith. Orchestrations by Dennis Dreith, Hummie Mann and Bruce Fowler. Recorded and mixed by Armin Steiner. Edited by Scott Stambler. Album produced by Marc Shaiman.


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These web pages were designed and maintained by Jonathan Broxton copyright 1998. All opinions and views expressed on these pages are my own and are in no way intended to reflect those of my employer, the Trent Institute for Health Services Research, or those of the University of Sheffield.