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Episode 43 - The Missouri Breaks

Episode 43 - The Missouri Breaks

FromThe Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey


Episode 43 - The Missouri Breaks

FromThe Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey

ratings:
Length:
35 minutes
Released:
Oct 2, 2019
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

"The Missouri Breaks" is arguably the worst film to feature a John Williams score ... at least up to that point in his 17 years as a film composer. Though it starred Oscar-winning actors Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, it was a misfire from the start, with Brando going off the rails in terms of acting choices, and Nicholson looking unfit for a Western. John Williams took on the challenge of using music to keep the film on track, but Williams himself takes some eccentric choices. The primary derivation Williams took was using a very small ensemble for his score instead of an orchestra filled with dozens of musicians. The score is dominated by harmonica and guitar, with a love theme that desperately needed strings. The film has gained a cult following. Does the score deserve the same? Host Jeff Commings believes it's on par with the other 1967 scores by Williams: decent but forgettable. Take a listen to the music and judge for yourself.
Released:
Oct 2, 2019
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Take a chronological journey through the 60-year career of film composer John Williams!