Air Force One

   Jerry Goldsmith is a legendary film composer and one who will always be remembered. He scored Air Force One in twelve days, and what came out of those days is one of the greatest and most memorable film themes. It gives the film excitement and the feeling of victory. One of the tracks is even featured in the Soarin' wait line.

   Randy Newman was the original composer who was rejected a week before the deadline. This is where Jerry Goldsmith came in and went about what he was most excellent at. I cannot go about this without giving credit where it is due, so I must also commemorate Joel McNeely's work in assisting Goldsmith. McNeely's compositions are marked as "additional music" which is not featured in the public soundtrack, but can be found in the Rejected and Unreleased album.

   Being a Disney and Pixar film composer who has a natural tendency to write light and fun themes into his scores, it was obvious that Randy Newman would not succeed the way he needed to. His work on his accepted music is very good, and I believe that he has a certain style that he should stay with.

   While listening to Randy Newman's music for Air Force One, it isn't all that bad, generally speaking. It just felt like,  a cartoon, or a Disney film. Some of the music is just outright horrible and unbearable to listen to, but most of it is fine. It wasn't a total loss for him though. Randy Newman was able to recycle some for his score for Toy Story 3.

   Jerry Goldsmith, with the assistance of Joel McNeely, wrote an unforgettable score that shines a bright light on patriotism. He did exactly what the director was seeking. Firstly, the music was much darker which made it feel like an adult film. When the action came, the intensity felt realistic, like something was really wrong. This gave the victorious sections greater power as they released the tension.

   The snare drum and brass are the most dominant sounds during the action sequences. The strings create a good shape in theme, but the brass are the source for much of the intensity and the main instruments used for the theme. During the quieter sections the mysterious bass and the piano's lowest keys flood the scene with a sound that leaves us on the edge of our seats, expecting something but not knowing when it will appear.

   Among all this intensity, there are sweeping themes that return you to a state of relief from the buildup. The strings are the main focus during these parts with the brass coming in prominently at times. The strings have a beautiful way of giving you a soft sound that just sweep you away and immerse you in their themes. I can say this of all the instruments when played in harmony, but I personally enjoy the strings just a bit more.

   I have only seen the TV version of Air Force One, a long time ago. I do not remember all those cues in the score, just the basic story line.

   Now go out and conquer Monday!