Ep. 85 - Trevor Jones & Randy Edelman's 'The Last of the Mohicans'
Based on Books
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Action, Adventure, Drama, Music, 28-Jul-2021
For this snapshot, we decided to publish a cue similar to "Promontory" on the original release. Interestingly, director Michael Mann asked Trevor Jones to provide an electronic score for the film, but it was decided late in production that an orchestral score would be more appropriate. Randy Edelman was called upon to help score some minor scenes which Jones did not have time to do - thus, the co-credit on the film.
It was difficult for us to pick one specific musical moment from the film (since there are so many striking cues), one of which is the song"I Will Find You" by Clannad. However, this last scene in particular is a masterclass in Mann's direction in addition to a simple repetitive musical motif that slowly grows as the tension grows. There is also no dialogue in the actual scene from the film, thus making the music its own character that carries you through the entire sequence of events. The lesson here is that even the most simple musical sequence can have a profound impact on the viewer. Combine that with the brilliant editing going from ultra-wide shots to close-ups (where you feel right there in the action) creates an unforgettable emotional experience as you watch Chingachgook (Russell Means) take vengeance on Magua (the great Wes Studi) after his son Uncas is killed.
Watching it on the big screen was an unforgettable cinematic experience, and if you haven't seen the film, it is (again) a must see. Daniel Day-Lewis received his second BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance.
Listen to the score: https://open.spotify.com/album/71NrwUZGV90FcwYjfq8D9h?si=ENanf-D5SWGQ7x_wSVbP3g&dl_branch=1
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Every Monday and Wednesday, SCORE CUE SNAPSHOTS brings you iconic scenes married to the corresponding score cue without dialogue and SFX, thus allowing anyone to appreciate how the score works with what you see unfold on-screen.
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