Soundtrack Review: Tyler Banks – ‘300’

A five-year-old Frank Miller went to the movies and saw the 300 Spartans. It would have an effect on the then youthful Miller in that he would learn that movie heroes didn’t always make it to the closing credits. He went on to research the real Battle of Thermopylae and eventually made it into a graphic novel called 300. Now that graphic novel comes full circle as it has been made into a film (although its R-rating will keep many five year olds out of the theater).

300 tells the tale of the 300 Spartans, the hardcore, trained from youth fighting force of the Greek army, that chose to stay and fight in a battle where the outcome was a given – they’d be slaughtered. They still chose to fight, under the leadership of their king Leonidas (Gerard Butler), and their sacrifice inspired the Greeks to turn away the thundering hoards invading their country. A film of such magnitude needs a score of magnitude and Tyler Banks delivers the goods with his score. It uses what sounds like period instruments, modern instruments, and vocals to great effect. I say “sounds” because I know that the film was made predominately on computers and I have the feeling that these period instruments were recreated electronically (don’t know, the review copy didn’t have any liner notes). This next statement will either earn me a permanent place on Mr. Banks’ Christmas card list or have him thinking “Who?” (though I doubt it). Whenever I listen to the score I can’t help but compare his score to John Barry’s ‘The Lion in Winter’ soundtrack. I kept hearing that opening theme from ‘Lion’ when I finished listening to ‘300.’ Now that’s a good thing since Barry is awesome. I think that Bates has created an epic score as Barry did on so many occasions. I can only imagine that fans of the film will want the soundtrack to go along with the stunning visuals, but that those who like the scores of yesteryear will find something to like. ‘300’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the soundtrack database for more information and a complete track listing.