The Passion of the Christ (Score)

Mel Gibson staked $30 million and his superstar reputation on this painstakingly bloody interpretation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all the while dodging charges of anti-semitism and fostering excruciating cinematic gore at the expense of Christ's message (a notion that also begs some uncomfortable questions about this version's S&M undertones). But because the film's dialog plays out in ancient authentic language dialects, John Debney's musical score takes on an even more central dramatic role. In some ways an unlikely choice as composer (having cut his teeth on many a lightweight comedy and kidflick) Debney nonetheless rises to the challenge, first conjuring up a synth-laden soundscape whose gothic moodiness should be familiar to admirers of the work of Lisa Gerrard, then seasoning it with indigenous instruments, booming percussion and ancient modalities that give the score an almost palpable sense of time and place. As did Jeff Danna on his earlier score for the gentler, de facto companion piece, The Gospel of John, Debney eventually gets 'round to genuflecting towards some Hollywood choral and melodic traditions (the Gospels themselves having arguably helped lay the original foundations for Tinseltown's venerable three-act structure), but there's nothing cheap about his music of triumph and redemption, rooted as ever in roiling currents of ancient spiritual mysticism. Gibson's vision of the Passion has had many second-guessing his motivations and choices, but Debney's rich, evocative score proves there's nothing wrong with his ears. -- Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Ultimate

Ultimate Easter movie. The Christian will understand, the rest should watch an Easter Bunny movie. I do think the brutality in the movie was a little over the top, but then again we don't know all the details. August 3, 2008

beautiful score

i love the soundtrack tothi sfilm. it adds to the drama being played out on screen. as i hear some of the tracks, for example, 'mary goes to jesus' i can see the scene in my head. this is the part in the film where i just completely lost it. the interaction between mother and son. just beautiful music May 9, 2008

Incredibly moving

I wish I knew all the names of the instruments that are being played in the score because they are absolutely mesmerizing! What an amazing score to accompany an amazing movie. Never a dull moment, I find myself being moved by the overall emotion of the music. The great thing about epic scores is that they manage to stir up some feelings within you of power, pride, and faith. It manages to inspire some in many different ways. I think that's the most important thing here. You can call it mood music or just simply uplifting. For me, the best way to listen to a score like this is with a great pair of headphones and a clear mind. June 13, 2007

Appreciation

This has to be the most touching score to a movie I have ever appreciated.
Watching the movie was one thing but then listening to the score blew me away. I could find myself crying just hearing the music and placing it at the point in the story.
What a range of music. So well done and so different. The song selection for the different scenes in the movie just fit. It is as if each song was the perfection for its placement in the movie.
The score can hold it's own in itself but together they are as one. April 15, 2007

Beautiful Soundtrack

For me the most inspiring track is "Resurrection". I remember the day that I saw this movie for the first time almost 3 years ago. My friend and I stayed until the end of the credits only to listen to this track. It's my candidate for best final scene in a movie. Now , 'Resurrection" (as the rest of the album) is in my Creative Zen Vision M and I listen to this beautiful piece of music everyday. It's really inspiring. Buy it!!!
P.S. There are so many Jews here and there writing a lot of negative reviews about this soundtrack and the movie. Don't pay any atention to that. This soundtrack and the movie are masterpieces. February 3, 2007

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