THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2013)

We know we are supposed to be more forgiving when pretty faced actors take on serious roles, but taking Bradley Cooper seriously is really a challenge. The buff actor may have been nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Silver Lining Playbook, but we still can’t shake off the Hangover dude’s slimy persona off.

That said, you may not have realised he was also in Derek Cianfrance’s critically acclaimed crime drama film, which surprisingly comes with a soundtrack album with score cues composed by Mike Patton, lead singer of alternative metal band Faith No More and founder of experimental band Mr Bungle. We last heard Patton’s work in Crank: High Voltage, and what we are hearing on this 58 minute album is very different from the high energy score for the Jason Statham movie.

There are 12 tracks on this CD, and while they are not your usual soaring orchestral arrangements that will get your spirits high and mighty, the compositions are worth your time if you have some patience. The tracks paint a brooding picture, and that aptly explores the themes of the film. Be it the somberness of tracks like “Schenetady” and “Bromance”, or the surrealism of cues like “Family Tree” and “Forestof Conscience”, the mood here isn’t the jolliest.

The tracks on this album are short and have eerily dark undertones. They work well as background listening if you are going through your dusty belongings, with the occasional piano tinkling and sound design in the mix, it may be a worthwhile listening experience.

Five other tracks make the album, including the vintage “Please Stay” by The Cryin’ Games, the 10 minute classical piece “Fratres for Strings and Percussion” by Arvo Part and the soothing concluding track “The Wolves (Act I and II)” by Bon Iver.   

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (17) The Wolves (Act I and II) - Bon Iver  

Review by John Li