Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow Score Reviewed

By Mark Sung Oct 15, 2004, 23:23 GMT

This is quite a strange score. Whilst it is quite different from most other recent scores, it also reminds you a lot of scores from the past. A good example of this is the opening track 'The World of Tomorrow' which is very similar to John Williams' Superman theme. The main theme is introduced here in the opening track and appears throughout the rest of the score. Shearmur manages to create a very heroic and triumphant main theme.

The score is successful in conveying a sense of mystery and suspense as heard in the tracks 'The Zeppelin Arrives' and 'The Robot Army'.

Shearmur's score is quite tongue in cheek and at times it comes across as if it's deliberately trying to be an imitation of something you've heard before. The way the first two tracks end in a stereotypical superhero triumphant fanfare gives the listener the idea that the score shouldn't be taken too seriously.

There are various action motifs throughout the score which work well to depict the apprehension and impending danger. However after the novelty of the first few tracks have worn off, the later part of the score comes across merely as a collection of action cues. Although the tracks are dynamic, Shearmur limits the instruments used to the orchestra and as a result the tracks come across as a little repetitive and not particularly memorable apart from the moments when the main theme appears.

The score is brought to an end with an understated cover of the song 'Over the Rainbow'. Although the song might help reflect the era the movie is set in, it seems out of place with the rest of the score.

Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow is a loud and fun score which sounds promising to begin with but eventually ends up sounding a little repetitive by the end.