James Horner has composed no fewer than 100 film scores in his lifetime, ranging from light-hearted children's favorites, to adult comedy. Not to mention his melodies grace the soundtracks of filmdom's most prolific money makers (Titanic <--- EWW! and Avatar <--- BLECH!). But his most ominous composition is undoubtably his theme for James Cameron's Aliens film. Replete with all the bone chilling tones one could ask for, Horner makes certain the viewer is well aware that the adventure he or she is about to embark on WILL induce temporary incontinence many times over.
Fun James Horner Fact: James cut his teeth scoring films for B movie director, Roger Corman.
The Black Hole Theme by John Barry
9. If you were to compare the virtues of John Barry's work on The Black Hole and say... um.... Howard the Duck (I don't have the words worthy enough of the verbal defecation that movie deserves), you would begin to truly appreciate his ability to tap into the spirit of the films he scores. The Black Hole is a rare Disney jewel, not only because the film drifts into very dark themes at times, but because the sounds concocted by the genius Barry give the audience an equal sense of scope, and dread. The sweeping brass tones are unnervingly brilliant. The music may not give that sense of something greatly sinister that some require, but there is little room for doubt that a minatory force will soon be revealed. Then again, few things are as terrifying as watching Howard the Duck. This is a nice try though.
Fun John Barry Fact: Barry remains steadfast in proclaiming that he, not Monty Norman, is responsible for the arrangement of the famous James Bond 007 theme song.
The Mothman Prophecies First Movement by Tomandandy
8. It is safe to say that 2002's The Mothman Prophecies was a fairly forgettable film, save for a few chilling moments interspersed among the lengthy chunks of exposition and rural imagery. That isn't to say it was BAD. It simply fell short. What didn't fall short was the crafting of the film's eerie score by the team of Tom Hajdu and Andy Milburn (affectionately known as Tomandandy). The theme, or in this case, the first movement, begins with a pop beat of sorts. I can only think to describe it as Silent Hill meets Harry Gregson-Williams in a bad mood. From there, the composers ease you into a repeating theme, in this instance played out with the use of spooky piano strokes and low bass tones. Next, a bit of upbeat, "Hey, maybe things are going to be okay" moves, and then back into the grim reality, full force. Together, this opening configuration of arrangements sets the tone nicely. Being a child of Appalachia myself, I was quite familiar with the stories of the Mothman and the odd events that occurred whilst the creature "terrorized" locals. Events that finally culminated in the collapse of the Silver Bridge, and many deaths. But if you really want to see a movie that more accurately presents the things you should fear most about that area, I suggest Deliverance.
Fun Tomandandy Fact: Tom & Andy are also quite deft at developing mobile applications.
Godzilla GMK Theme by Kow Otani
7. I don't disguise my affection for all things Godzilla. So it would be logical for someone to accuse me of bias for placing a track from a Godzilla film in this Top 10 countdown. But my defense against this accusation is simple: Have you listened to the arrangement? Kow Otani went against the grain when he composed the theme for the 2001 romp, Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack (or more reliably known as GMK). Prior Godzilla films had fed the public a steady dose of the same march we as fans had come to expect. But Otani was not satisfied with that one bit. The resultant sequence of synthesized tones and booming horns make it undeniable from the start, that this film will not be like those MST3K lampooned children's outings you watched on late night television. And deservedly so. This film portrays Godzilla throughout as an absolutely evil death machine. A ghostly zombie of a beast, bent on making man pay for his sins. It is a real classic, not to be missed. No, I have not yielded to the fanboy in me with this selection. Bah! Well, maybe a little. I LOVE GODZILLA. There. Are you happy? LOVE! Love. Okay, moving on.
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