MovieChat Forums > Legend (1986) Discussion > Cannot STAND the Goldsmith score!

Cannot STAND the Goldsmith score!

posted 8 years ago by BadPuppy82
11 replies | jump to latest

It's ridiculous cloying and way over the top. It doesn't really work. Most of the time, it's just random strings and orchestral elements.

The Tangerine Dream score is far far superior. It is ethereal and magical.

That's the thing about "Legend." It's not a fairytale... more of a, well, legend. That's why the Tangerine Dream score is a much better fit. In the theatrical release, for instance. The opening scene explaining the history while a single flute (electronic, but still) plays a dramatic, at times dark melody. MUCH better.

Oh, and I love the Tangerine Dream's version of the dance of the black dress.

Jerry Goldsmith is usually excellent at what he does, but his score sticks out like a sore thumb, in Legend.

[–] webwarrior601543 8 years ago

I have to agree. The Goldsmith version to me just seems trite. The same type of score that is in every other movie. The Tangerine Dream score is otherworldly and fits perfectly. It reminds me of the Limhal score for The Neverending Story. The electronic tunes are the only tunes that work in such a fantasy rich environment.

[–] Sugarminx 8 years ago

It doesn't really work. Most of the time, it's just random strings and orchestral elements.

Ah. Someone who knows what he's talking about.

The Tangerine Dream score is far far superior

*snicker* OK.

Do the P-I-G-E-O-N

[–] BadPuppy82 8 years ago

Someone's #Triggered

[–] jveatch-653-193479 8 years ago

I can see where you are coming from, however, I much prefer the Goldsmith score. To me, this score fits the fairy tale aspect of the film much more suitably. It's whimsical and timeless, while to me the TD version gives the film a contemporary 80s and almost Egyptian feel to it, which on its own right is fine, but not for this type of film. Goldsmith's score brings a lightness to it, which balances out the darker material. That is just my personal opinion.

[–] scruffy58 8 years ago

The Goldsmith score is the best thing about it. Very Impressionistic with shades of Ravel's 'Daphnes and Chloe'. Terrific orchestral colors.

"Thus, we began our longest journey together."
Adult Scout, To Kill A Mockingbird

[–] fiatlux-1 7 years ago

I literally LOVE Jerry Goldsmith as a composer. I still mourn him.

But even I cannot say I like his score for this film! Its the only piece I can honestly say I hate.
It doesn't work at all, its clumsy & surprisingly dull.

The Tangerine Dream score works perfectly here. Its ethereal & flowing & otherworldly as it needs to be.

I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus.
Didn't he discover America?
Penfold, shush.

[–] BadPuppy82 7 years ago

I agree with you 100%

[–] Margifish 7 years ago

I think it depends on which version you saw first. I saw Legend when I was a kid back when it came out (yes I'm old :( ) and so the Tangerine Dream soundtrack just IS Legend to me. I love Goldsmith's work and I can appreciate it as a separate musical score listened to on it's own...but played against the movie my inner child nostalgia just digs her heels in and refuses to tolerate it XD

[–] 7 years ago

[deleted]

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I thought the Goldsmith score was
fine as is. Creepy and unrefined to go with Lily’s transformation.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OAIf0Sy-3rs

But the Tangerine Dream score was just more memorable to the point that you can actually remember it years later.

[–] Starman (412) 5 years ago

Goldsmith's score was the theatrical version that many of us have seen back in 1985 outside the US, that's most of this planet I think. It is the most fitting for me, because it was the most memorable, since that year, that's more than 30 years and I still remember Lilly's theme and many other magical cues. This is a fairy-tale story in its essence, and that score helped to create that feeling. Probably the most unique score Goldsmith has ever made, it does not sound like anything else when you consider all the new instruments he has incorporated. TD score feels synthetic for a film set deeply in natural elements that deserve human palpable instruments and sounds.