Eyes Wide Shut Soundtrack (1999) Review

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Introduction

Eyes Wide Shut, one of cinema’s most enigmatic and thought-provoking films, is beautifully complemented by its equally captivating soundtrack. From the dissonant and dread-inducing piano contributions of Dominic Harlan to the mesmerizing compositions of Jocelyn Pook, this soundtrack takes listeners on a haunting musical journey that mirrors the film’s exploration of desire, secrecy, and the human psyche.

Music

The selection of Gyorgy Ligeti’s Musica Ricercata, as interpreted by Harlan, serves as the backbone of the soundtrack, evoking feelings of apprehension and terror that perfectly align with the film’s eerie atmosphere. Ligeti’s razor-sharp composition punctuates key moments, leaving an indelible impression of fear and uncertainty.

Jocelyn Pook’s compositions ground the film’s descent into a dark underworld, offering a stark contrast to the hypnotic nightclub lounge music that pervades throughout. The stunning Shostakovich’s Waltz 2 from the Jazz Suites stands out as a powerful piece of music, heavy with a sense of determination and grandiosity, encapsulating the film’s themes of fate and destiny.

The soundtrack also features standout tracks like Chris Isaak’s edgy “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing,” which captures the film’s sexual nature with its seductive allure. The carefully curated classical pieces add an edge of sophistication and intensity to the already haunting atmosphere of the movie.

Eyes Wide Shut’s soundtrack, while inherently tied to the visual experience of the film, possesses a mesmerizing quality that transports listeners to the world crafted by Stanley Kubrick. Whether it’s the escalating tempo of Dominic Harlan’s “Ricercato II” during the masked ball or the captivating rendition of “Waltz 2 from Jazz Suite” that ignites the imagination, this soundtrack is a feast for the senses.

Conclusion

Overall, the Eyes Wide Shut soundtrack stands as a testament to Stanley Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail and his understanding of the profound impact that music can have on storytelling. Each track on this album complements the film’s themes, amplifying the emotional depth and adding another layer of intrigue to an already unforgettable cinematic experience.

So, allow yourself to be enveloped by the haunting melodies and captivating compositions of the Eyes Wide Shut soundtrack, and embark on a musical journey that echoes the film’s exploration of desire, mystery, and the complexities of the human psyche.

Track List

1	Musica Ricercata No. 2 - Dominic Harlan
2	Jazz Suite 2 Waltz 2 - Concertgeboux Amsterdam (Reprise)
3	Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing - Chris Isaak
4	When I Fall In Love - The Victor Silverster Orchestra
5	I Got It Bad & That Ain't Good - Oscar Peterson Trio
6	Naval Officer - Jocelyn Pook
7	Dream, The - Jocelyn Pook
8	Masked Ball - Jocelyn Pook
9	Migrations - Jocelyn Pook
10	If I Had You - Roy Gerson
11	Strangers In The Night - Peter Hughes Orchestra
12	Blame It On My Youth - Brad Mehldau
13	Grey Clouds - Dominic Harlan
14	Musica Ricercata No. 2 - Dominic Harlan

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