Die Hard

No action film has made as big an impact on the genre since it's arrival like Die Hard. The Bruce Willis action thriller about a man trapped in a high-rise during a terrorist attack proved that action films could actually have a story and still be succesful. The acting is superb, the suspense is non-stop, and the film itself is like one big thrill ride that will have you laughing and cheering when you get off. To compose the score for Die Hard was the then unknown Michael Kamen (despite having a few high class projects in the bag).

Michael Kamen's work on Die Hard is fairly impressive. The score makes good use of te film's setting and the events that are unfolding. Because of the christmas setting, Kamen implements numerous sleigh bells into the mix and even includes a variation on 'Ode To Joy'. Where the score really stands out, however, is with the action music. Kamen implements a number of brass intermixed with military style percussion. Unfortunately, Die Hard suffers from a strong lack of themes. There is a guitar melody written for the character of John McClane and a small motif which may be for the plaza itself (it appears randomly). Aside from that, however, Die Hard is mostly one big rousing action score which does slog a bit throughout.

On a 40 minute album, Die Hard would be a great listen, especially with the action highlights present. Unfortunately, at 70 minutes, it runs a little long in the tooth. There are no major themes to grasp ahold of and the suspense runs a little long. Kamen's effort, however, can still be greatly appreciated considering that the score does handle it's action superbly. Something that true Die Hard fans or action score junkies can enjoy most.