Fitting music for such a sorrowful documentary.
Unlike most reviewers I feel that the soundtrack holds up on its own as a piece of beautiful music. The Grizzly Man soundtrack is a wonderfully deep and touching musical tribute. The sonic depth and transcendent melodies are enough to make the hair on your neck stand up (In my case it actually did). Richard Thompson is a master with the guitar, he makes the guitar come to life and sing its song for all to hear. All the performers involved are accomplished and very talented and I believe that sets this soundtrack apart from some others. The methods that they used to make some of the sounds was unorthodox to say the least, but what wonderful results! Give this soundtrack a listen, if your into melodic sound you will not be let down. .
See the DVD documentary
The main theme is reminiscent of Thompson's Knife-edge instrumental from the "Strict Tempo!" instrumental album, and features some lovely playing on the "cues". This music stands on its own better than most soundtracks, but would still be difficult to appreciate fully outside of the context of the sessions and the film. To increase your enjoyment, see the documentary on the recording sessions included in the special features on the DVD of the film. No fan of Richard Thompson will be disappointed!.
Against the backdrop of the universe
A Pibroch (or more properly, Piobreachd,) is the "great pipe music" of Scotland; they are dramas played out against the backdrop of the universe, represented by the drones. For weeks, I had been listening to one of the cuts from this CD, "Treadwell No More", via RT's website; it comes up as "Pibroch14" on Windows Media Player. Until this, I would not have believed that all the power and darkness of a classical Piobreachd could be expressed through the guitar, even from the heart and hands of RT. The piece is completely and utterly magic. I spent last weekend hand- digging a drainage channel across the back of our early- 1970's- hippie- carpenter- built house, in the mist and black drizzle of a New Hampshire November, with this CD playing in my pickup, pulled up nearby with the windows down. Perfect. .
A Fantastic Improvised Work of Art
I stray away from classical works, because I find their brilliance far too distracting. I am constantly looking for simple and crude instrumental music to listen to when I write. I also avoid the monotony of overdriven beats without substance. I prefer that there be little or no singing and speaking. I want an exploration of a theme, genre, and especially an improvised mix and replenishment of both.
The Grizzly Man soundtrack works well in my pursuit for inspiring, open-ended music. I disagree with the reviewers who suggest that the soundtrack requires the film as a complement. In fact, the soundtrack was recorded after the film's completion, and the musicians were directed not to play to the film but rather to capture the open country, to juxtapose ideas and spaces that the film explores.
Over two intense days, the entire soundtrack was improvised (largely guided by the great guitarist Richard Thompson) and recorded. My only complaint is that there is not more of this music. Since the pieces were often meant to fill a certain scene or length of footage, certain pieces tease the listener rather than fulfill a promise of a longer greatness. For two days' work, however, this is certainly a fantastic undertaking.
Great Movie
Great Movie. . a documentary on a troubled psyche and human nature, with meat eating Bears as a context. This is a story of a man with very good intentions, but his efforts are over shadowed by his personal struggle to define himself. Basically, a lover of nature preservation and bears, goes out to film bears in thier natural habitat for 13 seasons. . . in the fashion of Jane Goodall and her gorrillas. But unlike Mrs. Goodall, the film maker is no scientist and gets in over his head. . . in fact, he loses his head and is eaten by his "beloved" bears who had had enough of his intrusions. .
You can see a complete list of all Richard Thompson discography, or go back to the Richard Thompson tabs
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