Music Review: 300 - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

300 is an awe inspiring film. It is a film that forms a basis for myth and legend. Not intent on delivering a balanced historical recreation of the Battle of Thermopylae, the film plays out as a grand tale of battlefield glory.

It is framed as an exaggerated tale, propaganda if you will, with the intent of getting the troops rallied for battle. It is a story of resounding good taking on the forces of evil that seek to enslave them. It is a film of new vision, a wildly creative and stylishly realized film that is exciting, breathtaking, and memorable. What does this have to do with the score? Well, the score is equally invigorating. Composer Tyler Bates has crafted a fascinating score which combines electonic components with traditional orchestration. Two worlds of music fusing together into a unique score.

Just as I was when I sat in the theater, I was captivated. The film was told with such style and vision it just held my attention, the same could be said for this score. The music is bold, dynamic, and plays well with the other-worldly look of the the movie. It has some big orchestral bombast, some crunchy guitar and drum sections, and a solo vocalist that will trnasport you to another time and place.

Now, I have read about the apparent copying of Eliot Goldenthal's score for Titus. This is not something that I can attest to, not being familiar with that particular work. I am not, however, going to deny it is true, I have seen enough comments to be convinced that it is a near duplicate, in particular on the cuts "Returns a King" and "Remember Us," which were translations of Goldenthal's "Victoris Titus" and "Finale." I have also read that Bates will not go on record regarding the incident. Whether this is due to him not wanting to admit to plagiarism, embarrassment over being coerced by the studio or other force, or the fact that he may have done it unconciously is unknown. Whatever the truth may be, it has not hampered my sheer enjoyment of the score.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

Visit Chris Beaumont's author page — Chris Beaumont's Blog