The Dark Knight

Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard

2008 / Reprise / 73 mins

Overall this score is dark, but with some great moments of tragedy and triumph shining through. The music for Batman is very heroic and brooding, and there's some interesting material for the new characters. However, there's also some less interesting electronically driven stuff that doesn't really sustain itself, and a few of the tracks are too long and repetitive, making for an enjoyable but flawed score.

••••••••••

Highlight: Introduce a Little Anarchy (3:42)

Lady in the Water

James Newton Howard

2006 / Decca / 59 mins (Score 41 mins)

A beautifully textured, flowing score of strings and piano that manages to capture the sense of magic that the film strived for. Howard's occasional use of choir further helps to establish an otherworldly feel. All of this is held together by an absolutely wonderful main theme that plays a key role in the music, appearing throughout the score before its most majestic performance towards the end.

••••••••••

Highlight: The Great Eatlon (4:42)

The Village

James Newton Howard

2004 / Hollywood / 42 mins

Hauntingly beautiful music, with a lot of lush string work led by some very prominent violin. The main theme is wonderfully constructed and stays with you long after you've heard it. There's also just the right amount of creepy cues, with chimes and other odd noises managing to be unsettling but not unduly harsh. Captivating, gorgeous and ominous, it's truly an exceptional score.

••••••••••

Highlight: The Gravel Road (4:31)