Proof of Life

Aside from the fact that it stars Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan, there isn't a lot I know about Proof of Life, but judging by the pictures, it involves lots of running away. Inspired stuff I'm sure, but probably benefitting from featuring man of the moment, Crowe. Danny Elfman's score suggesting something of a thriller and while not exactly one of his most inspired efforts, is still entertaining enough.

The Main Title doesn't really get off to a flying start, but once Elfman starts to pile on the synths and orchestra over a pan pipes (I would guess) he manages to evoke both a sense of a thriller and of location - somewhere South American I think!. There isn't really a main theme as such, at least nothing you'd probably remember, but Elfman's motifs, stylisms and interesting mix of ideas prevent it from sagging.

The South American feel is enhanced with some lovely acoustic guitar writing in The Hostage Game, which actually comes curiously close to some of Zimmer's Gladiator music. Plane to Catch mixes the pan pipes with guitar quite beautifully and introduces some lovely string writing which is taken up again in Alice Breaks Down. The running around motif suggested in sleeve photographs leads to some fairly inevitable action music which is an interesting combination of synth bass and orchestra. I know that doesn't sound very inspired, but the writing is certainly more interesting than the average with Elfman's high pitched strings and surging brass making for a slightly unusual soundscape. The final track starts with Vangelis sounding synths which actually work really well, but that moves into a somewhat heartfelt elegy to round out the album.

I've listened to the album several times since I've liked it more each time, but even so would be hard pressed to find that much to recommend it. Yes, it has some good moments, but nothing truly outstanding even though I suspect its off the wall Elfman approach makes it somewhat more interesting than had anyone else penned it. I think Elfman fans will be pleased, but for everyone else, I think there are more than enough better Elfman scores to pick up instead.