352 replies to this topic

[A Kristatos]

David Arnold must return. When even John Barry recommended Arnold to barbara broccoli, that says a lot.

Even the great John Barry isn't infallible. He can make grave errors just like any of us.

As of now - Please EON, end this musical monotony. Hire another composer to once again breath life into Bond.

True, but look at the alternatives out there. Hans Zimmer/James Newton Howard = The Dark Knight; John Powell = Bourne; Harry Gregson-Williamson = Every Tony Scott film; Danny Elfman = Every Tim Burton film. Sure there are no namers out there, which could be good. Michael Giacchino who does all the score for JJ Abrams would be interesting since he does more orchestra sounds. But I say let Arnold finish off with the Craig era and then bring in someone fresh.

Many of the names above are good composers, but they are not that far removed from Arnold's sound when it comes to the action scenes. In other words, most utilize the same generic modern sound when it comes to scoring chases, fights or whatever other action scene is shown on screen. This being the case, Arnold holds the one big advantage over these other composers: he has scored five Bond films. So like you said, it would be best to let Arnold finish off the Craig era (assuming Craig will be back by the time a new Bond movie is filmed) before we go looking for a new composer.

Regarding the previous poster who is looking for someone to breathe new life into the Bond sound, well, Arnold did just that for the previous two films, especially with QOS. So while Arnold seems to be coming into his own, this is another reason to stick with him. I know Forster had a lot to do with this (having Arnold score scenes without looking at the film first), but Arnold has shown he can score a Bond film with a fresh sound that does not rely entirely on techno and rambling sounds. I believe he needs to be kept on a bit of a "short leash" by whomever the director is, but if he sticks to spending more time coming up with something original, then I would keep Arnold around for at least one more film.

[The Shark]

Regarding the previous poster who is looking for someone to breathe new life into the Bond sound, well, Arnold did just that for the previous two films, especially with QOS.

I'm afraid he hasn't done that. Or if he supposedly has, he's got to try a lot harder. There's still far too much 'filler' (especially in CR) that could easily be from TWINE or TND.

I know he's thrown in ethnic percussion, chosen subtler electronics - but the problem spreads far deeper than that. It starts and ends with David Arnold's own lack of talent, training and over-dependence on others - particularly Nicholas Dodd.

Hiring a more strong minded director won't change any of that, unless he can educate Arnold himself.

So while Arnold seems to be coming into his own, this is another reason to stick with him. I know Forster had a lot to do with this (having Arnold score scenes without looking at the film first), but Arnold has shown he can score a Bond film with a fresh sound that does not rely entirely on techno and rambling sounds.

Not entirely. But still 85% of the score.

[x007AceOfSpades]

Regarding the previous poster who is looking for someone to breathe new life into the Bond sound, well, Arnold did just that for the previous two films, especially with QOS.

I'm afraid he hasn't done that. Or if he supposedly has, he's got to try a lot harder. There's still far too much 'filler' (especially in CR) that could easily be from TWINE or TND.

I know he's thrown in ethnic percussion, chosen subtler electronics - but the problem spreads far deeper than that. It starts and ends with David Arnold's own lack of talent, training and over-dependence on others - particularly Nicholas Dodd.

Hiring a more strong minded director won't change any of that, unless he can educate Arnold himself.

So while Arnold seems to be coming into his own, this is another reason to stick with him. I know Forster had a lot to do with this (having Arnold score scenes without looking at the film first), but Arnold has shown he can score a Bond film with a fresh sound that does not rely entirely on techno and rambling sounds.

Not entirely. But still 85% of the score.

Earlier today, I was listening to the score for Quantum Of Solace and Casino Royale, and I found myself not liking either one of them. Arnold should really try expand and breakout more with Bond 23. I know he was for QoS, but it wasn't too spectacular. At this point I'll take Arnold over Hans Zimmer. Zimmer's recent outing on Inception I thought was practically "meh." Although I love the score to Mission Impossible 2. Come to think about it My choices for replacements were a bit of garbage, so thank you Shark.

[solace]

Hey guys. Ive been wondering about the opinions of others about the rumor...or was it confirmed that David Arnold would be coming back as composer. I think personally he has had a good run but we need something completely fresh for Bond 23.

What do you think?

(If he was confirmed composer that early, I think Eon was just being lazy )

Should he return?
Absolutely yes.

[Bonding for Today]

Hey guys. Ive been wondering about the opinions of others about the rumor...or was it confirmed that David Arnold would be coming back as composer. I think personally he has had a good run but we need something completely fresh for Bond 23.

What do you think?

(If he was confirmed composer that early, I think Eon was just being lazy )

Should he return?
Absolutely yes.

Yeah, he should return. I do like his work.

[sharpshooter]

I think regardless of what certain Bond fans want, David Arnold will be returning for Bond 23.

I get the impression that it's his gig if he wants it, and he’s a firm fixture for the time being.

[HellIsHere]

Clint Mansell - his original soundtrack for Black Swan was the best soundtrack of the year. A truly great classical composer! All others are movie music apprentices compared to Mr. Mansell. Get rid of David Arnold, bring Clint Mansell to the series.

[The Shark]

Clint Mansell - his original soundtrack for Black Swan was the best soundtrack of the year. A truly great classical composer! All others are movie music apprentices compared to Mr. Mansell. Get rid of David Arnold, bring Clint Mansell to the series.

No, he's just as tired and lacking in imagination and as Arnold, if not worse. He gives minimalism a bad name.

What Bond needs is less ambient electronics (which is what you're bound to get from Mansell) and a return to the power of the orchestra.

[level007]

The Shark, you should listen to The last score Arnold made, the Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
It's fully Orchestral, no electronics like HGW used in the two previous films.

It's not the full bombastic score like Stargate and ID4 were. It need more listening to fully get the different themes Arnold made for the score.
You should check some reviews at Filmtracks or elsewhere. I'm sure it will give you hope in Arnold Again :-)

[Liparus]

I vote "yes". He's done a good job ! Nobody can does it better than John Barry anyway !

[The Shark]

The Shark, you should listen to The last score Arnold made, the Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
It's fully Orchestral, no electronics like HGW used in the two previous films.

It's not the full bombastic score like Stargate and ID4 were. It need more listening to fully get the different themes Arnold made for the score.

The problem runs deeper than electronics for, even if they are an irritation. It's down to his lack of proficiency with harmony and orchestration. He's good at integrating themes, yes, but I expect more.

You should check some reviews at Filmtracks or elsewhere. I'm sure it will give you hope in Arnold Again :-)

No one should check out Filmtracks. They're a bunch of ill-informed, incompetent, fanboys - who grovel at nearly every David Arnold score.

[HellIsHere]

Clint Mansell is tired, Mr. Shark? YOU're tired. Go and re-listen to the Black Swan soundtrack: zero electronics and a full strings blast. By the way, that soundtrack is only available in the US. It will be released next January in the UK...

[The Shark]

Clint Mansell is tired, Mr. Shark? YOU're tired.

You're right there.

Though you have to consider the score in context. Most of it is derived from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, which is what gives the score its strength. The moments that don't prominently feature Tchaikovsky's rolling chord progressions are flat and banal, with tinkly piano playing that could have been lifted from the muzak written for to THE HOURS. That's the Clint Mansell side of the score.

Now unless Mr. Mansell's Bond 23 score will be based around a classical masterpiece, then the 'ambient electronics' label still applies here.

[x007AceOfSpades]

Clint Mansell - his original soundtrack for Black Swan was the best soundtrack of the year. A truly great classical composer! All others are movie music apprentices compared to Mr. Mansell. Get rid of David Arnold, bring Clint Mansell to the series.

No, he's just as tired and lacking in imagination and as Arnold, if not worse. He gives minimalism a bad name.

What Bond needs is less ambient electronics (which is what you're bound to get from Mansell) and a return to the power of the orchestra.

Mansell is a god awful choice to compose a Bond film. Doom is a perfect example of the ambient electronics Shark mentioned.

[gkgyver]

Clint Mansell is tired, Mr. Shark? YOU're tired.

You're right there.

Though you have to consider the score in context. Most of it is derived from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake,

So is half of Williams' primary Hedwig's Theme

[Scaramanga'74]

YES - provided he gives prominence to the James Bond theme. After all, it is one of the distinctive elements of the series. Why downplay it, or worse, relegate it to the gun-barrel sequence alone?

Let us have more of that Bond music for no.23. QoS was such a horrible letdown in the music department, that I refused to buy the soundtrack!

Hope Mr. Arnold can make me change my mind for the next installment. Only time will tell.

[booyeah_]

I'd prefer someone else. He's had a long run and, IMO, his fare is ho-hum, often suitable or even quite good, but unimaginative. He is obviously technically skilled, but is not as bold or exciting as Barry, Serra or Kamen. So, I do not want him to return, I'd prefer Bond 23 to have a fantastic, memorable soundtrack, but he will most likely return as the producers like him.

[x007AceOfSpades]

I'd prefer someone else. He's had a long run and, IMO, his fare is ho-hum, often suitable or even quite good, but unimaginative. He is obviously technically skilled, but is not as bold or exciting as Barry, Serra or Kamen. So, I do not want him to return, I'd prefer Bond 23 to have a fantastic, memorable soundtrack, but he will most likely return as the producers like him.

I really enjoyed Michael Kamen's score for Licence To Kill and his many other scores, but It's a terrible shame that he passed away. If he was still alive I would love to see him come back to the franchise. Licence To Kill is my favorite score in a 007 film as you said "exciting". If there's a replacement the composer must be infinitive and create something to always.

[Jose]

Let's get some fresh blood. Arnold has gotten stale even if QoS was a step in the right direction. I wouldn't be able to articulate it using proper terminology but it's like he doesn't care. He's very by-the-numbers about it, playing it too safe, or not even trying to try. For instance, a lot of CR seemed to be the same thing on loop, or featured in every other scene. Nice sound but no variety, if that makes any sense. Let's get some fresh blood. Someone who'll take risks with sound and deliver something bold and enjoyable. That probably sounds like too much to ask for. Hmm.

[JimmyBond]

If Arnold were to return I just wish he'd incorporate the films theme more. Barry had a way of taking his Bond themes and turning them into action cues.

However I too am of the camp that believes fresh blood is needed, musically. Arnold has been with the Bond series for a little over ten years now. As much as he would like to believe he is, he is no Barry.

[Messervy]

For instance, a lot of CR seemed to be the same thing on loop, or featured in every other scene. Nice sound but no variety, if that makes any sense.

If Arnold were to return I just wish he'd incorporate the films theme more. Barry had a way of taking his Bond themes and turning them into action cues.

True. Arnold's themes aren't really fitted with the given scene at hand; it's basically the same theme applied to every scene where it is believed suitable. It's never adapted to take into account the variety of moods in the scenes.
It's enjoyable, but not breathtaking.

[littlenellie]

The Shark, you should listen to The last score Arnold made, the Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
It's fully Orchestral, no electronics like HGW used in the two previous films.

It's not the full bombastic score like Stargate and ID4 were. It need more listening to fully get the different themes Arnold made for the score.

The problem runs deeper than electronics for, even if they are an irritation. It's down to his lack of proficiency with harmony and orchestration. He's good at integrating themes, yes, but I expect more.

You should check some reviews at Filmtracks or elsewhere. I'm sure it will give you hope in Arnold Again :-)

No one should check out Filmtracks. They're a bunch of ill-informed, incompetent, fanboys - who grovel at nearly every David Arnold score.

presumably they wouldnt be ill infomed incompetent fan boys if they agreed with you

If Arnold were to return I just wish he'd incorporate the films theme more. Barry had a way of taking his Bond themes and turning them into action cues.

However I too am of the camp that believes fresh blood is needed, musically. Arnold has been with the Bond series for a little over ten years now. As much as he would like to believe he is, he is no Barry.

when has arnold ever said he believed he was barry?

I'd prefer someone else. He's had a long run and, IMO, his fare is ho-hum, often suitable or even quite good, but unimaginative. He is obviously technically skilled, but is not as bold or exciting as Barry, Serra or Kamen. So, I do not want him to return, I'd prefer Bond 23 to have a fantastic, memorable soundtrack, but he will most likely return as the producers like him.

lets get eric serra back!!!!!

Hey guys. Ive been wondering about the opinions of others about the rumor...or was it confirmed that David Arnold would be coming back as composer. I think personally he has had a good run but we need something completely fresh for Bond 23.

What do you think?

(If he was confirmed composer that early, I think Eon was just being lazy )

Should he return?
Absolutely yes.

Yeah, he should return. I do like his work.

double yes he should return

[The Shark]

Edit: Sorry. Botched post.

[The Shark]

No one should check out Filmtracks. They're a bunch of ill-informed, incompetent, fanboys - who grovel at nearly every David Arnold score.

presumably they wouldnt be ill infomed incompetent fan boys if they agreed with you

I've had a fair share of ill informed fanboys agree with me, too.

Clint Mansell is tired, Mr. Shark? YOU're tired.

You're right there.

Though you have to consider the score in context. Most of it is derived from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake,

So is half of Williams' primary Hedwig's Theme

Yep, but that's only half a theme - not an entire score.

[x007AceOfSpades]

The Shark, you should listen to The last score Arnold made, the Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
It's fully Orchestral, no electronics like HGW used in the two previous films.

It's not the full bombastic score like Stargate and ID4 were. It need more listening to fully get the different themes Arnold made for the score.

The problem runs deeper than electronics for, even if they are an irritation. It's down to his lack of proficiency with harmony and orchestration. He's good at integrating themes, yes, but I expect more.

You should check some reviews at Filmtracks or elsewhere. I'm sure it will give you hope in Arnold Again :-)

No one should check out Filmtracks. They're a bunch of ill-informed, incompetent, fanboys - who grovel at nearly every David Arnold score.

presumably they wouldnt be ill infomed incompetent fan boys if they agreed with you

If Arnold were to return I just wish he'd incorporate the films theme more. Barry had a way of taking his Bond themes and turning them into action cues.

However I too am of the camp that believes fresh blood is needed, musically. Arnold has been with the Bond series for a little over ten years now. As much as he would like to believe he is, he is no Barry.

when has arnold ever said he believed he was barry?

I'd prefer someone else. He's had a long run and, IMO, his fare is ho-hum, often suitable or even quite good, but unimaginative. He is obviously technically skilled, but is not as bold or exciting as Barry, Serra or Kamen. So, I do not want him to return, I'd prefer Bond 23 to have a fantastic, memorable soundtrack, but he will most likely return as the producers like him.

lets get eric serra back!!!!!

Hey guys. Ive been wondering about the opinions of others about the rumor...or was it confirmed that David Arnold would be coming back as composer. I think personally he has had a good run but we need something completely fresh for Bond 23.

What do you think?

(If he was confirmed composer that early, I think Eon was just being lazy )

Should he return?
Absolutely yes.

Yeah, he should return. I do like his work.

double yes he should return

"lets get eric serra back!!!!!". Eric Serra did a terrible job on GoldenEye or at least I think so. I only care for the music score bits for the cradle sequence. His score disappointed the producers so much, they hired another composer to re-score the chase scene through St. Petersburg and when I heard the re-scored music I told myself. "Why did'nt they go with this guy to score the film from the beginning?".

Even better idea! Let's get Randy Newman (Meet The Parents) to score Bond 23! It'll be edgy and quirky and have songs sung by Randy himself! (Sarcasm) At this point I'd rather have Hans Zimmer score Bond 23, but I know deep down inside there are better composers fit to do Bond.

[The Shark]

The Shark, you should listen to The last score Arnold made, the Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
It's fully Orchestral, no electronics like HGW used in the two previous films.

It's not the full bombastic score like Stargate and ID4 were. It need more listening to fully get the different themes Arnold made for the score.

The problem runs deeper than electronics for, even if they are an irritation. It's down to his lack of proficiency with harmony and orchestration. He's good at integrating themes, yes, but I expect more.

You should check some reviews at Filmtracks or elsewhere. I'm sure it will give you hope in Arnold Again :-)

No one should check out Filmtracks. They're a bunch of ill-informed, incompetent, fanboys - who grovel at nearly every David Arnold score.

presumably they wouldnt be ill infomed incompetent fan boys if they agreed with you

If Arnold were to return I just wish he'd incorporate the films theme more. Barry had a way of taking his Bond themes and turning them into action cues.

However I too am of the camp that believes fresh blood is needed, musically. Arnold has been with the Bond series for a little over ten years now. As much as he would like to believe he is, he is no Barry.

when has arnold ever said he believed he was barry?

I'd prefer someone else. He's had a long run and, IMO, his fare is ho-hum, often suitable or even quite good, but unimaginative. He is obviously technically skilled, but is not as bold or exciting as Barry, Serra or Kamen. So, I do not want him to return, I'd prefer Bond 23 to have a fantastic, memorable soundtrack, but he will most likely return as the producers like him.

lets get eric serra back!!!!!

Hey guys. Ive been wondering about the opinions of others about the rumor...or was it confirmed that David Arnold would be coming back as composer. I think personally he has had a good run but we need something completely fresh for Bond 23.

What do you think?

(If he was confirmed composer that early, I think Eon was just being lazy )

Should he return?
Absolutely yes.

Yeah, he should return. I do like his work.

double yes he should return

"lets get eric serra back!!!!!". Eric Serra did a terrible job on GoldenEye or at least I think so. I only care for the music score bits for the cradle sequence. His score disappointed the producers so much, they hired another composer to re-score the chase scene through St. Petersburg and when I heard the re-scored music I told myself. "Why did'nt they go with this guy to score the film from the beginning?".

The re-scored St. Petersburg cue is easily the blandest cue heard in the film. Lifeless Bond-by-numbers, just like Arnold.

Serra provided many highly atmospheric, and moving orchestral cues throughout the score. Paying respects to Barry, while adding his own Continental European touch.

That's What Keeps You Alone
Forever, JamesWhispering Statues
Servernaya Suite
We Share The Same Passions

[x007AceOfSpades]

The Shark, you should listen to The last score Arnold made, the Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
It's fully Orchestral, no electronics like HGW used in the two previous films.

It's not the full bombastic score like Stargate and ID4 were. It need more listening to fully get the different themes Arnold made for the score.

The problem runs deeper than electronics for, even if they are an irritation. It's down to his lack of proficiency with harmony and orchestration. He's good at integrating themes, yes, but I expect more.

You should check some reviews at Filmtracks or elsewhere. I'm sure it will give you hope in Arnold Again :-)

No one should check out Filmtracks. They're a bunch of ill-informed, incompetent, fanboys - who grovel at nearly every David Arnold score.

presumably they wouldnt be ill infomed incompetent fan boys if they agreed with you

If Arnold were to return I just wish he'd incorporate the films theme more. Barry had a way of taking his Bond themes and turning them into action cues.

However I too am of the camp that believes fresh blood is needed, musically. Arnold has been with the Bond series for a little over ten years now. As much as he would like to believe he is, he is no Barry.

when has arnold ever said he believed he was barry?

I'd prefer someone else. He's had a long run and, IMO, his fare is ho-hum, often suitable or even quite good, but unimaginative. He is obviously technically skilled, but is not as bold or exciting as Barry, Serra or Kamen. So, I do not want him to return, I'd prefer Bond 23 to have a fantastic, memorable soundtrack, but he will most likely return as the producers like him.

lets get eric serra back!!!!!

Hey guys. Ive been wondering about the opinions of others about the rumor...or was it confirmed that David Arnold would be coming back as composer. I think personally he has had a good run but we need something completely fresh for Bond 23.

What do you think?

(If he was confirmed composer that early, I think Eon was just being lazy )

Should he return?
Absolutely yes.

Yeah, he should return. I do like his work.

double yes he should return

"lets get eric serra back!!!!!". Eric Serra did a terrible job on GoldenEye or at least I think so. I only care for the music score bits for the cradle sequence. His score disappointed the producers so much, they hired another composer to re-score the chase scene through St. Petersburg and when I heard the re-scored music I told myself. "Why did'nt they go with this guy to score the film from the beginning?".

The re-scored St. Petersburg cue is easily the blandest cue heard in the film. Lifeless Bond-by-numbers, just like Arnold.

Serra provided many highly atmospheric, and moving orchestral cues throughout the score. Paying respects to Barry, while adding his own Continental European touch.

That's What Keeps You Alone
Forever, JamesWhispering Statues
Servernaya Suite
We Share The Same Passions

Eric Serra's score I felt was too synth and electronic. The cradle scenes are my favorite score cues. Arnold is very bland but I like the St. Petersburg cue. I mustn't hate Serra's score so much If I recently download a Zip file of the score a few weeks back.

[The Shark]

The re-scored St. Petersburg cue is easily the blandest cue heard in the film. Lifeless Bond-by-numbers, just like Arnold.

Serra provided many highly atmospheric, and moving orchestral cues throughout the score. Paying respects to Barry, while adding his own Continental European touch.

That's What Keeps You Alone
Forever, JamesWhispering Statues
Servernaya Suite
We Share The Same Passions

Eric Serra's score I felt was too synth and electronic. The cradle scenes are my favorite score cues.

Yes, you are already said that. What about the lush orchestral cues I linked to?

[x007AceOfSpades]

The re-scored St. Petersburg cue is easily the blandest cue heard in the film. Lifeless Bond-by-numbers, just like Arnold.

Serra provided many highly atmospheric, and moving orchestral cues throughout the score. Paying respects to Barry, while adding his own Continental European touch.

That's What Keeps You Alone
Forever, JamesWhispering Statues
Servernaya Suite
We Share The Same Passions

Eric Serra's score I felt was too synth and electronic. The cradle scenes are my favorite score cues.

Yes, you are already said that. What about the lush orchestral cues I linked to?

Okay, those are good but for some of the other ones are again not so much of my favorites as I've mentioned twice. I wish Barry could return to the series, but I know that's highly unlikely.

[Doctor Whom]

[/quote]
I wish Barry could return to the series, but I know that's highly unlikely.
[/quote]
Part of me does, part of me doesn't. The latter day works of Williams and Goldsmith are often much less impressive than their earlier works. I agree, though; it won't happen. Barry hasn't scored a film since "Enigma" in 2001.