I saw The Tourist this weekend and enjoyed it despite the negative reviews. One of the things that I noticed in the film was the score. Sometimes a score won’t register while you’re watching a movie.

Other times it dominates.

Sometimes it scares the bejeebies out of you.

Sometimes it makes you swoon.

Sometimes it’s unique (a broken piano was used for the score).

Sometimes is so classic, it soars.

I love film scores. Always have. The strings in Schindler’s List bring tears to my eyes without watching the movie.

Music is profound that way. The emotions it can evoke. It can take a film to beautiful heights.

Since I basically scorespammed you just now, let me focus back. The Tourist. So I was sitting in the theater, enjoying this fun movie set in gorgeous Venice, and I noticed the score was quite nice. Exciting in the fast paced parts and a bit dreamy in romantic scenes. Where’s my ticket to Venice to meet Johnny Depp with my portable orchestra scoring my every step? When the credits rolled, who do you think caught my eye as the composer?

James Newton Howard, Water For Elephants composer, that’s who! Check out this wonderful video of him discussing his scoring style and philosophy.

Are you NOT super excited for the Water For Elephants score?! I can’t even wrap my head around what’s being cooked up in that department. James Newton Howard has scored MANY popular movies and I pulled a sampling from his extensive resume to give you an idea. Click the titles to hear the scores.

Award Wins

• 2001: Emmy Award – Outstanding Main Title Theme Music, Gideon’s Crossing
• 2008: Classical Brit Awards – Soundtrack of the Year, Blood Diamond
• 2009: Grammy Award – Best Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, The Dark Knight (shared with Hans Zimmer)
• 2009: Critics Choice Awards – Best Original Score, The Dark Knight

Great video from the Associated Press about The Dark Knight score.

Award Nominations

• The Prince of Tides ~ 1991: Academy Award Nomination – Best Original Score
• The Fugitive ~ 1993: Academy Award Nomination – Best Original Score
• My Best Friend’s Wedding ~ 1997: Academy Award Nomination – Best Original Musical or Comedy Score
• The Village ~ 2005: Academy Award Nomination – Best Original Score
• King Kong ~ 2005: Golden Globe Award Nomination – Best Original Score
• Michael Clayton ~ 2008: Academy Award Nomination – Best Original Score
• Defiance ~ 2009: Golden Globe Nomination – Best Original Score; 2009: Academy Award Nomination – Best Original Score

TRIVIA TIME!

• What popular TV show debuted in the 90s and produced a huge movie star (the sexiest at two points) did James Newton Howard compose? Click HERE to find out!

Major talent is rolling off James Newton Howard’s shoulders but are we surprised? The Water For Elephants talent cup runneth over.

Visit James’ IMDb page to see his extensive and impressive list of films he’s breathed musical life into. Share your favorite film scores below while we anxiously await ‘the most spectacular score on earth’!

Discography/Filmography/Awards/Nominations: Source

Follow @h2oforelephants on Twitter and Facebook!