MovieChat Forums > The Firm (1993) Discussion > The piano score

The piano score

posted 6 years ago by Wuchak (8110)
7 replies | jump to latest

I always favored the piano score by Dave Grusin, which some have described as “bouncy.” While you could call it that, it has different tones depending on the sequence. For instance, during the closing city chase it’s driving and portentous. There’s also a melancholic component when suitable.

The positive side of the piano score is that it makes the film timeless (generally speaking). Consider movies that are horribly dated by conventional scores from that general era, like “No Way Out” (1987) with it's horrid late 80's score.

[–] replicant4 (219) 5 years ago

I agree. The unique score was one of many things I really liked about this movie. It really set a certain tone which, IMO, really fit the story and environment. Especially in the Memphis area and that classic law firm.

[–] Tabbycat (748) 5 years ago

Agreed.

Just watched this movie first time since release, and the piano score seems more appropriate than ever. Really put some folks off at the time, when cheap synths ruled the day.

And those 80’s/early 90’s synth scores are dreadful. Laughable today.
Even The Right Stuff (1983) feature awful cheap synths instead of an orchestra, no doubt trying to sound “with it.” As you point out, not much thought was given to how kind (or not) Father Time would be to that work.

[–] Heisenberg (6315) 5 years ago

The music was awesome, it fits the movie perfectly and adds enormously to its feel.

I cannot imagine this film with some boring string/orchestra music like any other thriller since the invention of sound.

It was a genius move by Pollack, I presume.

[–] Trembley (125) 4 years ago

LMAO I watched no way out last week and your right about that God awful score

[–] Wuchak (8110) 4 years ago

It's nice to know it wasn't just me.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Melton (2153) 9 months ago

Yes, a timeless plus excellent score to be sure.