Doug Liman's latest film, Jumper, is a sci-fi actioner seemingly aimed at the teen and twenty-something set. It is a film that looks like it could be fun or exceedingly dumb. I am hoping it is the former because the director is more than capable of delivering fun (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), action-packed (The Bourne Identity), and intriguingly plotted (Go) films.
Joining him on Jumper is his frequent score collaborator, John Powell. Powell has composed for all three of the Bourne films (Liman produced them) and for Mr. & Mrs. Smith. With Jumper he continues to experiment with the non-traditional score, combining synth with the orchestra to create a lively and exciting score that is considerably different from your traditional score while also remaining exceedingly accessible.
The instant that the opening cue, "My Day So Far," began, I knew I was going to like this score. Very early on it became immediately apparent that this score was going to do nothing but enhance the film - meaning, even if the film is sub-par, this score should go a long way toward helping the time pass. On the other hand, if the film actually turns out to be good (which I am hoping, ever the optimist), this score will be one of those qualities that make it so.
I am sure you are wondering why I think this. The answer is simple: John Powell has created a highly energized and involving score that is instantly catchy, easy to listen to, and distinct; not to mention his highly synthesized sounds would seem to be the perfect fit for the science-fiction trappings of the film.
The film tells the story of a young man who discovers he has the ability to teleport anywhere he wishes, only to then find himself in the midst of a war between "jumpers" and those sworn to stop them. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to create a fusion of film with non-traditional score.
Powell's score seems to be devoid of any type of thematic score, with recurring character themes. Instead it moves along like waves crashing down on some random beach. The pieces combine and build to a crescendo before crashing down on the listener, only to begin the cycle again. That sounds like it would be repetitious, but it isn't. The music does not wish to settle on repeating itself so much as repeating the style. The sounds all stand on their own, combining in their own unique way to build excitement. I can almost picture the battles and chases that will go on, followed by moments to catch your breath.
Article comments
1 - ian.ho
the Suicide Jumper is very hecktic it is very funny the gril said'I love you' and loves him always.
2 - MELINA
CUAL ES EL NOMBRE DE LA CANCION QUE PONEN EN EL MOMENTO QUE DAVID Y MILLIE SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA HABITACION DEL HOTEL Y TIENEN SEXO?..
3 - KB
The action-packed film may have been enjoyable, but would be nothing without the music score that helped keep you on the edge of your seat during scenes of suspense and wide eyed during action sequences enhanced greatly by the score in the background. The description "waves crashing down on the listener" was entirely correct. The movie itself was mediocre, but the soundtrack could have been neither better or more fitting to the themes. Four stars!