MovieChat Forums > Zulu Dawn (1979) Discussion > Music

Music

posted 15 years ago by peter-501
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Having rewatched this many times I have to say that music is good but completely inappropriate for this film.

Elmer Bernstein was a great composer and I was fortunate to have actually spoken to a few times before he died. His music is great, and has an adventure quality to it. But the rather down ending makes it seem completely out of place.

In fact I saw this movie for the first time when I was about 12 years old. I couldn't believe the British lost. I didn't realize the British were going to lose. The music makes it seem like they're in for a grand adventure, a marvelous spree as one of the officer's says. So maybe the music works in that sense. But I would think this soundtrack would be better for a movie where the good guys win!

I found the soundtrack to Zulu by John Barry to be a bit more appropriate to that film. And at least in that one the good guys win.

[–] drfaustus58 15 years ago

I disagree. I thought the music was very appropriate. The music at the start and during the river crossing is rousing and does give a sense of "a wonderful undertaking" as Coghill puts it. However the Imperial themes - if they can be called that - are interspersed with Zulu motifs which are quite sinister and warn of the impending doom awaiting the British. These motifs appear more and more as the film progresses. The music during the battle scene is great, in particular the brass section blasting that "Bom Bom BA BOMMMMM" as Durnford and his mounted infantry/sikali horsemen are caught in a pincher movement by the Zulu. The funeral march like music at the end really captures the devastation (even though we don't really get to see anything, besides one disemboweled soldier), and finally the Zulu's chanting is the perfect conclusion to the score.

I also love the "chase" music as Coghill, Vereker and Melville swim across the Buffalo...chased by the Zulus.

[–] ScarletPimpernel64 11 years ago

You were able to meet the man who's cost me a screaming fortune, as he's the one who introduced me to a love a film music? I am needless to say extremely jealous.

"Be sure you're right, then go ahead."
Davy Crockett

[–] Blueghost 11 years ago

Well, you discovered what was intended. The music is intentionally misleading to tell the story of how the British expected another one of their Imperial victories. They were depending on an enemy that was capable, but didn't have the strategic wherewithal to strike where needed.

That's what the music is telling you. The whole effort starts off as a great adventure, a "sure win" with lots of battles with easy victories. But Chelmsford lost his support column and was forced to withdraw from the campaign with the defeat at Isandlwana.