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Writer-director Paul Schrader's films are always as memorable for their music as they are for their visuals--sometimes more so. Think of Giorgio Moroder's synthesizers pulsing through Cat People; think of Blondie's anthem for American Gigolo; think of Scott Johnson's remarkable score for Patty Hearst--and think of the full suite of music composed by Philip Glass for Schrader's ode to the deeply conflicted Japanese novelist Yukio Mishima. With its gilded, impressionistic set and its plot-eschewing cinematic vision, Mishima depended upon Glass's compositions for grounding. Despite the Japanese setting, the music is pan-global, typical of Glass's genre-absorbing minimalist style. A standout track is "Osamu's Theme," which features a catchy rock & roll guitar part against a string setting. And the album's quartets feature none other than the Kronos Quartet. --Marc Weidenbaum
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 A Breakthrough Score |
| Review Date: December 4, 2007 |
| Reviewer: D. A Wend, Buffalo Grove, IL USA |
I saw Mishima when the film came out in 1985 and have always been impressed by the score. Not only is the music beautifully descriptive of the scenes of the film but it also is music that can be enjoyed apart from the film. The tracks on the disc follow the progress of the film from the opening and November 25 music on to the closing. The brooding music of track 4 - The Temple of the Golden Pavilion - is marvelously conceived, building slowly in intensity. Osamu's Theme is scored for electric guitar and violin: an interesting coupling and the guitar is also used very effectively in Kyoko's house where a synthesizer joins.
The Kronos Quartet are the stars of the performers and convey the brooding intensity of the music magnificently. The Runaway Horses track is close to a mini-string quartet and is a nice example of their playing. This is a short film score and I would have liked a more expanded booklet but it is a joy to have this wonderfully descriptive music at hand. The score by Philip Glass is so integral to the complete enjoyment of Mishima that without it (just like the narration by Roy Scheider) one cannot separate it from the film images.
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Mishima/Glass. You can't lose.
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| Review Date: January 9, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Coyotlus, CA, USA |
This is a great film. Any fan of Mishima will love it. A triad of Mishima's life, several of his stories and the last day of his life is well presented.
Philip Glass's score compliments it all. |
Absolutely spectacular.
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| Review Date: December 31, 2003 |
| Reviewer: Jim Beam, Los Angeles, CA |
| There are some soundtracks that seem to steal the show, and this is definitely one of them. It brilliantly captures the inner turmoil and dreams of a man, with sound that rings in your mind long after the movie is over. Reminiscent of Cello Suites by Bach with touch of modern synthesizers, it has very complex depth that is simply captivating. Definitely one of my all time favorites. |
Glass's breakthrough....
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| Review Date: February 26, 2003 |
| Reviewer: stuartm, United States |
| for me at least. This was the first CD of his where the full emotional potential of his music was realized. Some credit is due the Kronos Quartet who have never been better then they are here. And the remainder goes to PG for moving beyond the confines of strict minimalism to incorporate elements of traditional melody and harmony within the rhythmic structure of his compositions. This is accessible, powerful, emotional music and has never worn out its welcome. BTW, the final scene in the Truman Show uses the main theme of this soundtrack, so if you found the triumphant "rush" of that finale compelling, you will love to hear the rest in this soundtrack. |
The music that never leaves you!
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| Review Date: February 18, 2003 |
| Reviewer: B.C. Francis, Bellingham, WA United States |
| I was first introduced to the soundtrack from Mishima in 1986 by a young woman from LA. That may have been a part of why it stayed close to me... but I was entranced by Phillip Glass' music.... and this was the first I had ever heard from him! I sought out other Glass works, but none enthralled me as Mishima had done. I kept a crude cassette copy of this soundtrack for many years... until it wore out, frankly! 15 years later I remembered the haunting movie music, and bought the CD. Now, more than ever, I wanted to see this film! It did not do well at the box office and was supposedly under-rated, but Glass' music was definitely it's saving grace. I was completely captivated with the film as I watched... but I constantly found myself following the music, and not paying attention to the screen. It brought the sad and weird story of Mishima to life... yet it stands completely on it's own. The Kronos quartet performs marvelously. The music never leaves you!.... never! |
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