Published on May 17, 1999
Before we begin, let me be clear on one subject. What follows
will be an open and frank discussion of the soundtrack. If you wish
to not be spoiled for the movie, turn back right now. I know that
some people are trying to save themselves for the movie and that’s
cool – some of my friends and family are in that group. But I can’t
speak honestly about the soundtrack without possibly stepping on
some toes. So, you’ve been warned.
With that out of the way, let me say: Gorgeous. That’s about the
only adjective this soundtrack really needs. Because that’s what it
is – absolutely gorgeous. The sound and texture of this music is
amazing. In fact, let me say another thing: believe the hype. Drop
whatever cynicistic views or jaded outlooks you may have against
this movie. If I could, I would be with those crazy s.o.b.s that
are sitting outside a movie theater right now in line for the first
tickets. This movie will not be the craze of a few Net-freaks
(though that particular demographic is first and foremost). This
movie will appeal to all – young, old, child and adult. The movie
will give you a unique feeling. And the music plays a tremendous
part of that feeling.
(Note: don’t think I’ve seen the movie, cause I haven’t. But the
music sold me to it. As if it really needed to, though!).
The soundtrack begins with the world-famous “Star Wars Theme.”
This is recognizable and immediately drops you into that particular
universe. In fact, several themes and cues will seem familiar
throughout the soundtrack – because they are. Following that comes
“The Arrival At Naboo” – which signals the Jedi Knights’ approach
into that planet. Again, the music drops you right into the
emotions of the moment. There’s a determination, but with a level
of unneasiness.
After that comes the single, “Duel Of The Fates.” This seems to
be the main theme of the movie and is repeated in a couple of other
places. There’s a driving quality to it, as the music seems to be
heading somewhere. The music goes through a number of changes. And
the title “Duel” seems to fit quite well since the music and the
choir – which is singing Sanskrit – seemed to be fighting for
supremacy in the song. Quite cool.
However, here comes the soul of this soundtrack – “Anakin’s
Theme.” As opposed to the action-driven pieces, this part is quite
soft. But from the middle on to the end, you begin to hear a small
piece that doesn’t seem quite right. This is, of course, “The
Imperial March” or “Darth Vader’s Theme.” This is a perfect way of
hinting what will come in the future. Full of hope and wish, this
will remind you of the “Binary Sunset” piece in the original
Star Wars.
Following that comes the two-part piece, “Jar Jar’s Introduction
and The Swim To Otoh Gunga.” While “Jar Jar’s Introduction” could
have reminded people of another race of aliens – cough*Ewoks*cough
– the piece actually is more reminiscent of the introduction of the
Jawas. Though playful and quirky, there is none of the childish
quality that may have alienated some fans. Meanwhile, “The Swim To
Otoh Gunga,” is very haunting with a sense of exoticism. You feel
like this is the introduction to a rare, strange, place that you
shouldn’t be a part of. “The Trip To The Naboo Temple” and “The
Audience With Boss Nass” give you more of this sense of
off-worldness. The visuals should be striking.
“The Sith Spacecraft” signals the arrival of the main villain in
the movie – Darth Maul. With tribal drums and a slow increase, this
piece seems to be reaching from the depths of nowhere to pull the
meanness out. “The Droid Battle” is an action-filled piece that
quickly pulls you into the fighting. A second piece later in the
soundtrack – “The Droid Invasion” – is just as exciting. It sounds
terrific and you can sense that there will be action everywhere
with this piece. Tied to that cue, there’s the awesome “The
Appearance of Darth Maul.” A few fleeting flute notes – that sound,
like someone has already stated, like a lone wolf howling in the
night – give way to the Emperor’s theme from
Return Of The Jedi. You have a sense of true evil emanating
from this music. I can already tell you, Darth Maul’s costume will
be the top costume this Halloween.
There are also some tracks that feature pure exciting abandon.
“The Flag Parade” will, without a doubt, remind you of Ben-Hur’s
chariot race. Meanwhile, “Panaka and the Queen’s Protectors”
features the main “Star Wars” theme and features more action-packed
music. “Passing Through the Planet Core” combines both the weird
cues from the Gungans as well as action packed movement that tells
you some mean stuff is going down. “Qui-Gonn’s Noble End” is both
action packed as well as a moment of pure…hmmm…horror and
determination. Care to guess why? Finally, “Anakin Defeats
Sebulba,” begins slowly but turns to great action – as it should,
for it’s the climax of the Pod Race.
Then there’s those more quiet cues. “Kids At Play” feature some
quiet and haunting music – you will even notice the “Binary Sunset”
cue from the original “Star Wars.” You feel a goodbye is being said
here. In fact – if you’ve seen them – this is the music that plays
behind Shmi Skywalker’s commercial. “The High Council Meeting”
meanwhile brings you “Yoda’s Theme” and the quiet version of the
“Imperial Theme” as a sense of both resolution and dread fill the
music. Following that, “Qui-Gonn’s Funeral” has that haunting piece
from “Return of the Jedi” where the Darth Vader suit is burned by
Luke Skywalker.
The soundtrack concludes with the fun-filled “Augie’s Great
Municipal Band.” South American drums and rhythms contrast with
children choirs. The piece sounds like a true celebration. From
there, the “End Credits” feature the original Star Wars credit cues
before turning to a repeat of “Duel Of The Fates” and concluding,
eerily enough, with “Anakin’s Theme.” Again, you have a sense that
there’s a hinting towards the coming darkness.
So, why not give this an A+ – besides the fact we’re not allowed
to give that rating on “The Daily Vault”? Three reasons. First, I
happen to think that for all the hoopla Lucasfilms went to hide the
secrets of this film that the tracklist contains way too much
information. Why? It’s not necessary. For example, “Qui-Gonn’s
Noble End” could have been titled “Jedi Vs. Sith” and it would have
hidden all the coming surprises. It’s hard to believe that Lucas
and Co. just decided to let all this slide by.
Second problem, all the cues are out of place. Anakin is not
introduced before Jar Jar, yet “Jar Jar’s Introduction” comes after
“Anakin’s Theme.” While I know that “Anakin’s Theme” is one of the
major cues, it’s wrong to flip them like this.
Finally, where is the rest of the music???? There have been
many, many, quotes that say that the total amount of music recorded
for this movie go from 90 minutes to almost 2 hours. Yet, here’s
only 75 minutes of music. Where’s the rest? I know it’s going to
come to a re-release like the ones that came out for the
Special Editions. I think that’s wrong. They should have
helped the fans and given them the music and all the music.
Overall, this is a classic now and will be so ten years from
now. The fantasy is beginning once again. Get ready. Here comes
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. (Hey! By the way, if there’s
ever a need for a real Anakin Skywalker, my door’s always
open.)