New French review describes Tintin score as heard in the film [spoilers!!]

[eitam 368]

SPOILER WARNING:The review contains no spoilers about the plot of the movie, but does describe the score and how the movie opens. If you don't want to know, then don't read this thread!

A review of the music as heard in the film can be find on a French site:

http://www.cinezik.o...cret_de_licorne

It's quite vague, and in French, and more or less confirms what we knew so far...

[Josh500 1,616]

OK the link doesn't work.

[Jay 39,601]

The only thing I see when I click that link is:

Message de l'équipe de CINEZIK : En raison d'un trop grand nombre de visiteurs (connexions simultanées), la base de donnée est saturée. Nous travaillons sur son optimisation. Vous pouvez rafraichir cette page dans un instant, car nous allons réinitialiser le serveur. Merci de votre compréhension.

Which Google Translate translates to:

Message from the team Cinezik: Due to too many visitors (simultaneous connections), the database is full. We are working on optimization. You can refresh this page in a moment, because we will reset the server. Thank you for your understanding.

If anyone connects, can you paste the article here?

[Josh500 1,616]

Huh.

Didn't know there were so many JW-obsessed fans in France.

[eitam 368]

Didn't know there were so many JW-obsessed fans in France.

He is a national hero.

[Incanus 5,818]

Here is the Google Translator version of the review:

First opinion after listening to the soundtrack in the film:

Past ten years, the cinema of Steven Spielberg has changed and with it the music of John Williams associated with his films. Often dark and melancholy (MINORITY REPORT, WAR OF THE WORLDS, MUNICH) it has also become more discreet and sophisticated comedy about the filmmaker (ADOPT ME IF YOU CAN, THE TERMINAL) confirming that the major theatrics and heroic themes of John Williams of 80-90 years are past. The musician's style has evolved, and if he gives up, of course, the themes, melodies and motifs that have made it successful, these cis are more discreet, subtle, complex. Therefore go TINTIN free of all expectations: there is no theme to Star Wars or even the HARRY POTTER, simple and easy to remember. However, while the legacy of Williams's career is well and this shows that the composer is shaped, and has lost none of his enthusiasm and intelligence.

It should be noted that after 50-year career, and scores for almost all kinds of films, Tintin is the first music of John Williams for an animated film. It should be a first time for everything!

The credits of the film recalls the open (animated, too) from Catch Me if you can, with graphics that evoke solids investigations and previous adventures of Tintin: Williams introduced a theme for the reporter adventurer, a lively and spirited design , virvoltant, which evokes the youth like the theme (jazz and copper) from Catch Me IF YOU CAN or the character of Mutt in Indiana Jones 4. The instrumentation is light, but the songs short, broken, without long development, as if to suggest the hunt, and youth (as opposed to large, developed a theme that would have suggested some wisdom). This pattern is astonishing in its simplicity but still effective, it remains in the head after the end credits, and calls to other adventures.

The other main theme of this score is associated with the Unicorn and the confrontation between Captain Francis Haddock and the pirate Red Rackham. It is mentioned several times lorsqu'interviennent these characters and the flashbacks showing the ship, in particular the epic battle scenes (Spielberg ridicules the whole saga PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN in only two sequences naval). It is also a dynamic theme, made of ostinato string and brass rising in crescendo. It also reveals a pattern for dramatic suspense sequences, which suggests clearly enough the first notes of HARRY POTTER (one thinks also HOOK and Witches of Eastwick), a modal pattern quite characteristic of Williams, like of four famous notes of James Horner!

The pieces of action are of a ébourriffant. It is difficult to appreciate the true value in the film, because they are naturally embedded in the action and sound effects, but they prove once again that Williams is at its highest level, with accelerations of notes and breaks in your inimitable virtuosity of that recall the best bits of INDIANA JONES.

Sometimes very close to the style "mickey mousing" inherited from the animated films of Hollywood's heyday, this score is, as expected, a great thematic richness and harmonic, very rhythmic, which should reveal many subtleties over the sheets. No lyrical theme to the JURASSIC PARK then, but much better: a treasure to be rediscovered over time. Listening to the disc (plus 65 minutes of music) should confirm it.

Sylvain Rivaud

[Josh500 1,616]

In the 4th paragraph, was he talking about the theme from "The Adventure Continues"... or the one from "Sir Francis and the Unicorn"?

[ChrisAfonso 200]

So apparently, "The Adventures of Tintin" (track 1) will indeed be heard at the beginning of themovie, accompanying a traditional animated opening credits sequence? Color me intrigued.

[Josh500 1,616]

So apparently, "The Adventures of Tintin" (track 1) will indeed be heard at the beginning of themovie, accompanying a traditional animated opening credits sequence? Color me intrigued.

Yes. A "Catch Me If You Can" kind of deal.

Overall the review is highly positive. According to the reviewer, no major catchy main theme, though... instead we get "a treasure to be rediscovered over time." I guess that's a good thing too.

[Sandor 846]

On the other hand, he also states that the music will remain in the head after the end credits...

There is NO way anyone can say the theme will become 'a classic' or not. If Hedwig's Theme was the theme for Witches Of Eastwick it would not be remembered like it is now. These things need time and exposure. Stupid songs have become classics. Nobody can tell yet.

[Jay 39,601]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I'm confused if he is saying the animated sequence opens the film or ends it

[Josh500 1,616]

On the other hand, he also states that the music will remain in the head after the end credits...

There is NO way anyone can say the theme will become 'a classic' or not. If Hedwig's Theme was the theme for Witches Of Eastwick it would not be remembered like it is now. These things need time and exposure. Stupid songs have become classics. Nobody can tell yet.

Yes, "The Adventure Continues" is already a classic for me.

I am really starting to think that what we have here is a major JW score, on the same level as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

I am willing to bet that over time this score will be more highly thought of than JW's last 5 scores.

[Romão 2,322]

It opens the movie, it has been mentioned in the Belgian reviews

[Sandor 846]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I'm confused if he is saying the animated sequence opens the film or ends it

I'm confused about ADOPT ME IF YOU CAN as well...

[Jay 39,601]

I am willing to bet that over time this score will be more highly thought of than JW's last 5 scores.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here

[Josh500 1,616]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I think he meant not as easy to remember as the themes from Star Wars or Harry Potter. Which is true.

[Incanus 5,818]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I'm confused if he is saying the animated sequence opens the film or ends it

Well if you take into consideration this was the impression on first viewing of the film. Perhaps the reviewer was not as analytical as many of us.

[Jay 39,601]

It opens the movie, it has been mentioned in the Belgian reviews

Ah ok, thanks!

[Josh500 1,616]

I am willing to bet that over time this score will be more highly thought of than JW's last 5 scores.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here

Well, that's what I think and feel now anyway. Maybe I am setting myself up for a disappointment, but then... I really don't think so. Not judging by these samples.

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I'm confused if he is saying the animated sequence opens the film or ends it

Well if you take into consideration this was the impression on first viewing of the film. Perhaps the reviewer was not as analytical as many of us.

Yeah, that's for sure!

And the first time he saw the movie was probably the first time he heard the music (or maybe he listened to the samples once or twice beforehand).

[Incanus 5,818]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I'm confused if he is saying the animated sequence opens the film or ends it

I'm confused about ADOPT ME IF YOU CAN as well...

The marvels of Google translator. Priceless.

[Jay 39,601]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I'm confused if he is saying the animated sequence opens the film or ends it

Well if you take into consideration this was the impression on first viewing of the film. Perhaps the reviewer was not as analytical as many of us.

Very true. It's not like I would have noticed the Separatists had their own theme, or that Dovchenko did, if I saw either film without playing the OSTs repeatedly first. The first time I watch a movie, I am just enjoying it and taking EVERYTHING in, not analyzing the score.

If Haddock's Theme is always playing under dialogue, then I suppose it doesn't stick out, like how Thomson and Thompson's theme wouldn't either.

He did notice the "Mystery theme" and Sir Francis/Rackham's theme, at least

[Josh500 1,616]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I'm confused if he is saying the animated sequence opens the film or ends it

I'm confused about ADOPT ME IF YOU CAN as well...

The marvels of Google translator. Priceless.

No, in the French version, Hanks actually wants to adopt Leo.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,431]

Stupid songs have become classics. Nobody can tell yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFd5Cci_pE4

[Sandor 846]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I think he meant not as easy to remember as the themes from Star Wars or Harry Potter. Which is true.

We've had the HP theme in 8 films, commercials, ringtones, Youtube piano performances, etc. We've heard the theme regularly for 10 years now.

It wasn't INSTANTLY classic back in 2001. It was a good theme. It became legendary over time and is now part of popular culture.

NOBODY can tell exactly what Tintin's music will do. Nobody. It needs time, exposure and the movie needs a large appeal.

[Josh500 1,616]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I think he meant not as easy to remember as the themes from Star Wars or Harry Potter. Which is true.

We've had the HP theme in 8 films, commercials, ringtones, Youtube piano performances, etc. We've heard the theme regularly for 10 years now.

It wasn't INSTANTLY classic back in 2001. It was a good theme. It became legendary over time and is now part of popular culture.

NOBODY can tell exactly what Tintin's music will do. Nobody. It needs time, exposure and the movie needs a large appeal.

I am still wondering though:

In the 4th paragraph, was he talking about the theme from "The Adventure Continues"... or the one from "Sir Francis and the Unicorn"?

I think if any theme from Tintin has a chance to become a classic, it's the last track.

[Jay 39,601]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I think he meant not as easy to remember as the themes from Star Wars or Harry Potter. Which is true.

We've had the HP theme in 8 films, commercials, ringtones, Youtube piano performances, etc. We've heard the theme regularly for 10 years now.

It wasn't INSTANTLY classic back in 2001. It was a good theme. It became legendary over time and is now part of popular culture.

NOBODY can tell exactly what Tintin's music will do. Nobody. It needs time, exposure and the movie needs a large appeal.

Hedwig's Theme is also longer, with developed b sections and a full concert arrangement. All the Tintin themes are short.

[Josh500 1,616]

But again, what about "The Adventure Continues"?

[Jay 39,601]

What about it?

[Josh500 1,616]

Isn't this a long theme? Doesn't this have a B section?

[Sandor 846]

I think the reviewing here was not paying much attention. He says there are no themes simple and easy to remember? Haddock's Theme and the Eye Of Bagghar Theme are instantly recognizable and easy to remember.

I think he meant not as easy to remember as the themes from Star Wars or Harry Potter. Which is true.

We've had the HP theme in 8 films, commercials, ringtones, Youtube piano performances, etc. We've heard the theme regularly for 10 years now.

It wasn't INSTANTLY classic back in 2001. It was a good theme. It became legendary over time and is now part of popular culture.

NOBODY can tell exactly what Tintin's music will do. Nobody. It needs time, exposure and the movie needs a large appeal.

Hedwig's Theme is also longer, with developed b sections and a full concert arrangement. All the Tintin themes are short.

Like The Rebel Fanfare? Yeah short themes cannot become memorable.

I'm not saying Tintin's music will become famous; just saying nobody can tell.

[Josh500 1,616]

I'm not saying Tintin's music will become famous; just saying nobody can tell.

Yes, you are right, though. It all (or largely) depends on how successful this movie will be, I guess.

[Jay 39,601]

Isn't this a long theme? Doesn't this have a B section?

All we know about "The Adventure Continues" is that the first 30 seconds are identical (note wise, I know its a different recording with slightly different orchestration) to a cue from the film called "Duelling Pirates", a cue that also appears on the OST in track 9.

How long it sticks with "Dueling Pirates" before moving on to other material is unknown. In the cue "Dueling Pirates", the theme goes through a bunch of variations over its 2 minute length, which by the way also includes the Eye of Bagghar theme and the main theme. But the theme that makes up the bulk of the cue isn't use in any other cues that I know about.

[Josh500 1,616]

Isn't this a long theme? Doesn't this have a B section?

All we know about "The Adventure Continues" is that the first 30 seconds are identical (note wise, I know its a different recording with slightly different orchestration) to a cue from the film called "Duelling Pirates", a cue that also appears on the OST in track 9.

How long it sticks with "Dueling Pirates" before moving on to other material is unknown. In the cue "Dueling Pirates", the theme goes through a bunch of variations over its 2 minute length, which by the way also includes the Eye of Bagghar theme and the main theme. But the theme that makes up the bulk of the cue isn't use in any other cues that I know about.

Well, all I am saying is that even if this is not a theme in the strictest sense of the word, it might become a sort of classic...

the Eye of Bagghar theme

I'm sorry, which theme is that? It's not heard in the samples, right?

[Jay 39,601]

Hasn't appeared in any samples or any film clips yet, no

It should be in at least 2 tracks of the OST unless Williams microedited it out

[Sandor 846]

I think it [The Adventure Continues] had the potential of becoming a classic had it been Tintin's main theme, his musical signature if you will. It could have done wonders.

Now, it will be a great, but somewhat isolated track. Like The Ancestral Home or Back To America.

[Josh500 1,616]

I think it [The Adventure Continues] had the potential of becoming a classic had it been Tintin's main theme, his musical signature if you will. It could have done wonders.

Now, it will be a great, but somewhat isolated track. Like The Ancestral Home or Back To America.

Hmmm, I don't necessarily agree with you there.

It's not so important what it represents, but when it's heard. This is very likely heard in the end credits, and in one of the climax battle scenes, so it might very well become a classic nonetheless. And JW himself thought it significant or important enough to put it at the end of the album, like "Hedwig's Theme," "Mischief Managed," "Raiders March" on the original RotlA OS album (as you yourself pointed out), etc. etc.

Hell, Hedwig's Theme represents an owl, and it became a classic!

[BloodBoal 7,541]

[Josh500 1,616]

I think it [The Adventure Continues] had the potential of becoming a classic had it been Tintin's main theme, his musical signature if you will. It could have done wonders.

Now, it will be a great, but somewhat isolated track. Like The Ancestral Home or Back To America.

Who cares? If people have good reaction to this theme, they'll use it for the sequel as Tintin's theme, no matter what was its purpose in the first film.

Exactly! That was my point.

[Incanus 5,818]

How long it sticks with "Dueling Pirates" before moving on to other material is unknown. In the cue "Dueling Pirates", the theme goes through a bunch of variations over its 2 minute length, which by the way also includes the Eye of Bagghar theme and the main theme. But the theme that makes up the bulk of the cue isn't use in any other cues that I know about.

It could be that Williams might reprise the Dueling Pirates material in the film.

As we see in one of the Making Of videos Haddock duels Tintin in his cabin while drunk as he delusionally thinks Tintin has come to first win his confidence and then kill him.That might be a possible placement. But this is just pure speculation.

[Sandor 846]

I think it [The Adventure Continues] had the potential of becoming a classic had it been Tintin's main theme, his musical signature if you will. It could have done wonders.

Now, it will be a great, but somewhat isolated track. Like The Ancestral Home or Back To America.

Who cares? If people have good reaction to this theme, they'll use it for the sequel as Tintin's theme, no matter what was its purpose in the first film.

And when in the history of film has such a thing ever happened...?

[Josh500 1,616]

I think it [The Adventure Continues] had the potential of becoming a classic had it been Tintin's main theme, his musical signature if you will. It could have done wonders.

Now, it will be a great, but somewhat isolated track. Like The Ancestral Home or Back To America.

Who cares? If people have good reaction to this theme, they'll use it for the sequel as Tintin's theme, no matter what was its purpose in the first film.

And when in the history of film has such a thing ever happened...?

Well, again, with the same example:

Hedwig's Theme was originally conceived as the owl's theme, but after it got such a favorable reaction from a concert audience when JW performed it prior to the movie's release, it became the signature theme of the entire franchise.

[BloodBoal 7,541]

[Josh500 1,616]

Btw, I don't think this theme might become the character Tintin's theme (like Bloodboal said) no matter how good a reaction it gets, but it might become a sort of signature theme for the movie series ofTintin.

That's what I meant.

[Incanus 5,818]

I think it [The Adventure Continues] had the potential of becoming a classic had it been Tintin's main theme, his musical signature if you will. It could have done wonders.

Now, it will be a great, but somewhat isolated track. Like The Ancestral Home or Back To America.

Who cares? If people have good reaction to this theme, they'll use it for the sequel as Tintin's theme, no matter what was its purpose in the first film.

And when in the history of film has such a thing ever happened...?

Well, again, with the same example:

Hedwig's Theme was originally conceived as the owl's theme, but after it got such a favorable reaction from a concert audience when JW performed it prior to the movie's release, it became the signature theme of the entire franchise.

Please get your facts straight. It was the reaction of the film makers when Williams first presented his music for the trailer that sparked the idea to use Hedwig's theme as a major thematic idea for the score and it then became the main theme of the film.

[Darth Crossfader 577]

So did anyone read it in french?

I did.

[Josh500 1,616]

I think it [The Adventure Continues] had the potential of becoming a classic had it been Tintin's main theme, his musical signature if you will. It could have done wonders.

Now, it will be a great, but somewhat isolated track. Like The Ancestral Home or Back To America.

Who cares? If people have good reaction to this theme, they'll use it for the sequel as Tintin's theme, no matter what was its purpose in the first film.

And when in the history of film has such a thing ever happened...?

Well, again, with the same example:

Hedwig's Theme was originally conceived as the owl's theme, but after it got such a favorable reaction from a concert audience when JW performed it prior to the movie's release, it became the signature theme of the entire franchise.

Please get your facts straight. It was the reaction of the film makers when Williams first presented his music for the trailer that sparked the idea to use Hedwig's theme as a major thematic idea for the score.

Where did you get that? As I remember it, JW played it to a concert audience, and the reaction was so good, that he himself decided to expand the use of it in the film.

[Incanus 5,818]

So did anyone read it in french?

I did.

Instead of bragging about your French skills, do you have anything to add?

[Josh500 1,616]

So did anyone read it in french?

I did.

Instead of bragging about your French skills, do you have anything to add?

[Incanus 5,818]

Where did you get that? As I remember it, JW played it to a concert audience, and the reaction was so good, that he himself decided to expand the use of it in the film.

Well it is from the official DVD documentaries my good man, told by JW and chimed in by several producers.

Besides he composed the trailer long before the first official concert performance of Hedwig's theme.

[Josh500 1,616]

Well, then both of those things happened and contributed to the same outcome, i.e. "Hedwig's Theme" became a classic.

It's not a question of either-or here.

Besides he composed the trailer long before the first official concert performance of Hedwig's theme.

Which makes, what I am telling you, possible, of course!