CD REVIEW - V For Vendetta


V For Vendetta
Music by Dario Marianelli
Astralwerks (number unreadable) (EU)
13 Tracks 63:07 mins

Latest score from up-and-coming composer Marianelli is for this graphic novel adaptation, starring Natalie Portman and a masked Matrix villain Hugo Weaving. It is fair to say it is closer in style to his score for The Brothers Grimm than Pride and Prejudice, though still quite different, as it lacks the variation that score received. This all sounds pretty much the same - a mix of dark, brooding, conspiratorial music and purposeful, drum-driven and sometimes quite rhythmic action writing. There are few light moments, though the gently flowing piano of "Valerie" is notable.
Throughout, Marianelli subtly sprinkles choir into the mix, though they do make their presence felt in a number of crescendos.
The final cue, following some powerful action writing of the nature described, eventually erupts in a strong and quite jarring statement of the 1812 Overture, which apparently accompanies scenes of Parliament burning.
In addition to the score, which comprises ten mostly lengthy tracks, there are three vocals by Julie London, Cat Power and Antony & The Johnsons.
Dario Marianelli continues to make his presence felt on the film composing scene with yet another stylistically different score, displaying his versatility.