Five Cuts From Kamen

Image Source: Film Music Society

 

It has been ten years since the tragic death of Michael Kamen, who has since become recognised as one of the best composers of his time. Across his career, he composed eleven ballets, concertos with saxophones and electric guitars, as well as numerous film scores including Die Hard (1988) and Highlander (1986).

He was also known for the enthusiastic air he brought to interviews. However, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997, and passed away from a heart attack in 2003, aged 55. Here are five samples of scores from Kamen's career showing off his range and scope...


1. Die Hard (1988)

One of Kamen's most recognised scores is still his soundtrack to 1988's Bruce Willis blockbuster. It remains a perfect example of a score adding to a film, with Kamen's atmospheric music highlighting the claustrophobic atmosphere of the Nakatomi Plaza and creating tension during the many close-range set pieces. Particularly memorable are the occasional use of sleigh bells in the background, reminding the viewers of the Christmas time setting without making it too evident.



Video uploaded by No Fate But What We Make For Ourselves

 2. Highlander (1986)

A slightly overlooked score when compared to bigger hitters such as Lethal Weapon or Die Hard. Kamen's score to the cult 1986 film is one of his very best. The music accompanying the New York scenes is solid, but where this score truly shines is during the Scotland segments. Kamen's lush, orchestral score puts emphasis on the epic Scottish landscapes that serve as the backdrop to the training scenes. Equally impressive is the score's ability to endure even alongside the more recognisable Queen tracks that accompany it in the film.



Video uploaded by DeFruunslued2011

3. Don Juan DeMarco (1995)

A much quieter and understated soundtrack. The score to the 1995 Johnny Depp film gave Kamen a chance to show off a more exotic and foreign side, and he rose to the occasion, delivering an appropriately sensual score that incorporates elements of the Bryce Adams song Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?



 Video uploaded by MortRaineyFan

4. The Dead Zone (1983)

Kamen's score for David Cronenberg's Stephen King adaptation goes against conventional horror scoring, highlighting instead the mystery of Johnny Smith's (Christopher Waken) predicament. The result is a haunting and tragic score that sits alongside the more subtle of Kamen's work. The score retains a sombre and contemplative atmosphere that avoids cliché.



 Video uploaded by Zodiac1911

5. Licence To Kill (1989)

Alongside John Barry, many other composers have had their own stab at a James Bond score. These composers include the likes of George Martin, Bill Conti, Eric Serra and Thomas Newman. In 1989, the task was given to an enthusiastic Michael Kamen, who provided the score to Timothy Dalton's controversial second film as the British agent. It has been argued that this score is somewhat unremarkable compared to the rest of Kamen's output, but it clearly benefits the film. From the Gunbarrel onwards, the score suggests a more dangerous and serious feel, with a slight Latin-American flavour thrown in to represent the film's locales.

 

Video uploaded by Enrisico007