Pages

Monday, September 06, 2021

Movie Music: Michael Kamen's "X-Men" (2000)

Today, class, we'll be listening to music from X-Men (2000), composed by Michael Kamen.  Settle down and listen up!

We owe a lot to this movie, don't we? It kicked the popularity of superhero movies into high gear by not trying to turn the story into Serious Drama like the first couple of Batman movies, but also not descending into silliness like the last couple of '90s Batman movies. Instead, it unabashedly presented complex characters who happen to have super powers, giving them a stylish story that does not pretend it's not based on comic books.

This score contains one of the most haunting, achingly beautiful themes of any movie soundtrack I have ever heard. I'm talking about the first two minutes of the final track, "Logan and Rogue."

(This movie is 21 years old, but I'll still say it: Spoiler Alert!) In the movie, of course, this is the point where Wolverine risks his own life to save Rogue by letting her take his healing powers. It's an amazing moment in the film, the culmination of my beloved Wolvie's journey in that first film from selfish loner to self-sacrificing friend, but even if you haven't seen it, I think you'll still feel the emotions here.

My other favorite cue on this soundtrack is "Charles Xavier's Institute" (also sometimes titled "Mutant School") because of the way it conveys cautious optimism. It starts out as a happy, hopeful song, then turns quiet and contemplative, reminding us to enjoy our powers, but to take them seriously too.

That's all for today, friends!

(This review originally appeared here at J and J Productions on June 1, 2015.)

6 comments:

  1. I'd never listened to the soundtrack for this film before, but it's wonderful! Especially enjoyed the second one you shared. And I love how they stylized 'Kamen' for the album cover. Nice touch. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eva, it's a really good one! Ties with DOFP for my favorite X-Men soundtrack. Though I must admit I haven't listened to the soundtracks for First Class or Apocalypse or Dark Phoenix, except while watching the movies.

      Yes, the K-men thing cracks me up! :-D

      Delete
    2. Annnd I just realized that Michael Kamen composed the music for one of my favorite movies: Shining Through. The soundtrack for that is gorgeous.

      Delete
  2. Michael Kamen brings back memories for me because of a few films I grew up with and got the soundtracks for: The Three Musketeers (1993) and 101 Dalmations (1996). Out of the two I enjoy 'Musketeers' more. It was neat hearing some of his other work! That first track is really beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Muse, I love that Three Musketeers score too! Just so bouncy and wonderful :-) I'm glad you enjoyed these selections!

      Delete

Agree or disagree? That is the question...

Comments on old posts are always welcome! Posts older than 7 days are on moderation to dissuade spambots, so if your comment doesn't show up right away, don't worry -- it will once I approve it.

(Rudeness and vulgar language will not be tolerated.)