Veteran film composer
Alexandre Desplat explores a variety of classic, militaristic, and action themes in his score for
George Clooney's World War II caper
The Monuments Men. From the opening notes of "The Roosevelt Mission," wistful trumpets play over marching snares, setting off a lovely melody that blossoms nostalgically before leading into the buoyant "Opening Titles," whose thumping brass theme recalls the playful pomp of classic wartime musicals. Throughout the 25 mostly orchestral tracks are situational action pieces; mournful, string-laden themes; and sections of brass-heavy, patriotic music that are well paired with the film's tone. At times, pieces even veer into a thrilling
Morricone-esque fanfare, like on the track "Gold!" The "End Credits" display a classic bit of Hollywood whimsy with an upbeat snare march set to the tune of soldiers whistling. With dozens of film scores in a myriad of styles to his credit,
Desplat is appropriately tasteful, adapting to a classic period style while still adding his own distinctive flourishes. ~ Timothy Monger