The unusual, uncategorizable Adaptation is hardly what anyone would call a thriller (in the conventional sense of the word).
Carter Burwell's atmospheric soundtrack, however, while never quite "creepy" or "eerie," does mine a palpably suspenseful vein from ominous start to melancholy finish. Since you never know what's going to happen next in Spike Jonze's acclaimed "meta-movie," this seems only fitting. Best known for the many soundtracks he has composed for the equally iconoclastic Joel and Ethan Coen,
Burwell's complete score is included with the release, along with two non-dance-oriented remixes: "Adaptation," as interpreted by
Fatboy Slim (aka former
Housemartin Norman Cook), and "The Screenwriter's Nightmare," by
Zeno. Longtime Jonze fans are sure to appreciate the aptness of
Cook's participation as the director who was also behind the award-winning video for "Weapon of Choice" (featuring a kinetic Christopher Walken).
The Turtles' radiant "Happy Together," which plays a key role in the film, caps things off. ~ Kathleen C. Fennessy