Hans Zimmer
The Dark Knight Returns Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Reviewed on 27 July 2012
Rated 8 out of 10
Key Track: Key Track: Gotham's Reckoning
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Hans Zimmer has probably provided the soundtrack to some of your favourite films, and to hazard a guess, you wouldn’t know that would you? Not to worry, not many people get to experience theatrical soundtrack releases without the added distraction of visual elements.
Zimmer though - an Academy Award and Golden Globe winner - is up there with the very best. Just look towards his impressive work on The Lion King, Gladiator, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down – just to name a few – to see where you’ve probably heard him before.
That’s not to mention the first two Batman films in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. The Dark Knight Rises suitably follows on with a similar style to its predecessors (particularly that steamrolling, bronzed horn theme). While listening to the soundtrack without the added context of the caped crusader might seem a bit daft, but this is the perfect release to dramatise your life.
Just driving on the way to work? Not anymore, instead you’re dodging, swerving and crashing with Catwoman along for the ride.
So it’s just your average work day? Wrong! You’re now working at 0.05% greater efficiency. You better buy this before your boss notices your poor work output.
If your life is already exciting, then at least you get to enjoy yet another masterpiece from Zimmer, without the added annoyance of Bane’s distorted voice or the distraction that a blockbuster film provides.
The score is a grandiose affair with all the expected rises and falls of musical drama that you would expect. On one end of the spectrum we have the record’s climax, ‘Imagine The Fire’ in all its striking glory. Then on another, you’ll find the downbeat ‘Nothing Out There’. But as far as highlights go ‘Why Do We Fall?’ stands out – albeit briefly – with a beautifully dramatic piece of composition. ‘Gotham’s Reckoning’ is the other, it sounds more threatening and intense than any other track here; a perfect score to introduce the villain.
Now while it’s unlikely that most of you will rush out and buy the score to the latest Batman film (that is unless you’re a die-hard fan) off the back of one film screening or even this review, but if there’s one theatrical soundtrack you buy this year, make sure it’s this.
- Corey Tonkin
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