The Matrix Deluxe Edition Soundtrack
Thrilling Postmodern Science Fiction Score by Don Davis
Nov 19, 2008
Even as the Wachowski Brothers pushed into brand new territory with their unnerving science fiction film in 1999, so Don Davis entered a new frontier in film scoring with his dense, grand score for The Matrix. Despite the music’s groundbreaking importance in the field of film music, however, it has been largely bypassed by critics, partly because of its dense, atonal style and partly because of shoddy album presentation.
Postmodern Science Fiction Score
Davis’ music for The Matrix is distinctly postmodern: there are few classical or even melodic influences to be heard (although there are distinct echoes of John Adams’ modern orchestral minimalism works, particularly Harmonielehre).
Instead, Davis has crafted a massive, jarring (some would even say horrifying) work of such complexity that it demands respect, even if the one dislikes the brutal atonality of the score. Moments of accessible harmony, while not altogether absent, are few and far between. Nevertheless, there are several recurring thematic concepts which are surprisingly memorable.
Themes in The Matrix
The most obvious thematic idea in the The Matrix is the motif that opens the score, a pair of offset brass chords which alternate in volume, seesawing back and forth as the listener is transported to the World of the Matrix. The theme occurs again in the film whenever the “rules” of reality are broken: such as in the film’s many moments of “bullet-time” slow motion.
Another motif which appears several times is a fluttering passage for woodwinds, which represents the famous “green code” which scrolls rapidly past the camera in the film.
While the sheer size and density of the score is its most memorable asset, after several sessions of listening to the score, one will notice certain recurring techniques: the staggered, staccato brass punches, undulating piano and string ostinatos, and the clanging anvil-like percussion. The orchestra (mixed sometimes with tasteful synthetic effects) whips up such a frenzy that the listener will be blown back by the wall-shaking power of the score.
However, this same blaring power is precisely what has caused many film score fans to dismiss it as “unlistenable” outside of the film’s context (although most critics agree that it is the perfect score for the film).
Album Presentation
Due to contracting and licensing issues, when Varese Sarabande Records released the score on CD in 1999, the album only contained about 30 minutes of Davis’ score. Because of the film’s brilliant use of heavy-metal songs in addition to the score, the combination of the score’s avant-garde sensibilities, the popularity of the song album, and the poverty of music on the official score album caused the score to quickly go under the radar.
Luckily, Varese Sarabande has put this to rights with a new Limited Deluxe Edition of the score, which contains a full 78 minutes of the score, as well as attractive packaging and extensive liner notes. The score benefits greatly from such a thorough album, and the scope and depth of the score shines out with new brilliance.
Conclusion
Serious film score collectors are encouraged to explore Davis’ work further: repeat listens and a basic familiarity with Davis’ concepts will aid greatly in appreciating this score. Although the sequel scores featured somewhat more accessible and epic passages, The Matrix is a completely unique and groundbreaking film score, and remains a towering yet curiously overlooked masterwork.
 |
 |
