Batman Returns

Yet another Danny Elfman score that perfectly fits the film, but in this case, its dull and dreary. Opinion is very divided on this one. Some say that it is better than the original and much more subtle, however, I'm yet to be convinced and for my money it comes across as a bland extension of the original. Whereas Jack Nicholson's Joker was malicious and evil, but as his name implies, he was at least fun. The villains this time around are both sad individuals so the playful element to counterpoint to seriousness of Bruce Wayne is largely absent. Catwoman is represented by eerie high pitched violins which gives it an eerie sexiness, although the effect does wear a little thin before long. The Penguin receives a sultry and sad saxophone tune, which is more memorable than that for Catwoman, but is still dark and depressing. Unlike the original, the Batman theme doesn't appear very often, which does prevent it from becoming overtly repetitious, although using it as a thrill button just a little more often wouldn't have gone amiss.
While the first score had a few minor action cues at the beginning inter mixed with quieter moments, the first half is often just a dreary concoction of the Penguin and Catwoman themes as the characters are introduced to the film. The first major action cue is Batman vs. The Circus which is as exciting as anything else Elfman has written and even mixes in fairground pipe organs into a mix of Batman theme together with swirling violins and blazing brass. It does pick up noticeably in the second half as the cues seem to have more focus, rather than just being seemingly endless underscore of sad people doing sad things. Rooftops and Wild Ride are both typical Elfman action cues and even add in a very welcome touch of the macabre humour that made the original such good fun. The Final Confrontation is somewhat less exciting than the original Waltz to the Death, but it does very successfully blend the new themes with hints of the Batman theme and some exciting action music.

I suspect had the original standard not been so high, this wouldn't have seemed such a let down. I suppose if Elfman had gone down the road of simply retreading old material there would have been uproar, but as it was he has gone for a more subtle and understated approach, unfortunately, for a Batman film isn't nearly so effective. The album is also very long and a little pruning during the first half might not have been a bad idea. Worth picking up for Elfman fans of course, but those hoping for something as refreshing and exciting as the original may be disappointed.