Falling Down

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At long last! World premiere release of oft-requested James Newton Howard score to Joel Schumacher's Falling Down. Dark, violent urban thriller stars Michael Douglas as tragic protagonist on rampage, heading inexorably towards final showdown with retiring cop Robert DuVall. As confrontations grow in intensity, Douglas becomes increasingly unhinged. Howard follows in tow, with initially sparse score growing increasingly dense, clustered as film progresses. Dark ideas, intense action all have their say. Highlights are many, including riveting chase cues, pulsating conflict music, but one standout motif deserves spotlight: Howard writes moving minor-key trumpet solo that plays just once during 'not economically viable' scene ('Miracle Mile'), then disappears completely until conclusion ('Falling Down'), where composer now brings film and score together in brilliant, powerful fashion. Sensational writing! Also worthy of attention: haunting series of string chords shifting between minor, major, playing for estranged relationship between everyman Douglas and wife Barbara Hershey. Howard even quotes nursery rhyme 'London Bridge', which subtly relates to cop Duvall's own wife Tuesday Weld, who needs the tune to help calm her troubled nerves. It is difficult to overstate dramatic complexities and thematic subtleties of this important music. Howard's score is followed by several alternates. Entire CD presented in stunning stereo audio from digital session masters vaulted in pristine condition at Warner Bros. Marty Paich conducts.