Even though Thomas Newmans score on the Best Picture winning classic American Beauty has been used to death in trailers, adverts and entertainment shows, the music still retains its power. Thats a testament to arguably Newmans finest work. Its a generally up-tempo score, even in its most somber moments where it features a breezy piano-led melody, leaving the looming weight on the strings in the background instead. It feels secretive, conjuring the theme of the film of the darkness beneath the idyllic surface of suburban life. The music is always quite sensual though, no matter the mood. Though the score starts soft, it grows more erratic throughout the film, matching the mischief of protagonist Lester Burnham. But his tragic demise set from the start always lingers over the film making every note bittersweet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqUwDI_bV-U
Recently graduated from University of Hertfordshire with a Film & Television Production degree. Usually found watching films, listening to music, writing for whatculture and writing reviews for awardscircuit.com and my blog.
