Journey to the Center of the Earth Soundtrack
Review for Andrew Lockington's Delightful Score
Oct 24, 2008 David Abraham Dueck
Walden Media’s new film based on the famous book by Jules Verne might not be anything to write home about if it weren’t for its thrilling 3D format, but the good news is that such over-the-top cinema often generates attractive musical scores, and Journey to the Center of the Earth is no exception.
Canadian Newcomer Andrew Lockington
Films from Walden Media often have high-profile composers assigned to write their music (Harry Gregson-Williams for the Narnia films and James Newton Howard for Water Horse, to name a couple), but for Journey to the Center of the Earth, a head-scratching choice was made: Andrew Lockington.
After working for many years as an orchestrator and composer’s assistant, the Toronto native has recently struck out on his own, with remarkable orchestral scores for such films as Skinwalkers and others. Despite this, however, his was hardly a well-known career. Now, his music has reached perhaps its widest audience with Journey to the Center of the Earth, and the music is certainly worthy of attention.
Thematic Integrity with Jules Vernes
The score begins with a short but sweeping introduction of the main theme, “Journey Theme.” Adventurous and wondrous at the same time, its fresh orchestration and energetic construction easily overcome any predictability in the melody.
The theme is then put through endless variations throughout the score, often shifting from major to minor keys and back again in moments. It receives comedy scherzo moments, thunderous action versions, and sweeping statements to accompany the visual vistas in the film. Some of its more memorable variations occur in “Climbing Sneffels” (an awesome panorama of theme) “The Center of the Earth” (a sparkling, glorious cue), “Building the Raft” (a thunderous, addicting montage piece), and the monumentally epic “The Storm.”
Intelligent Orchestration for Epic Soundtrack
The orchestra and choir are both quite sizable, and the sheer power of many of the cues alone makes for an attractive album. Synthesized accents are few, but those which do occur are tasteful and unobtrusive (a good example is the “Water Drop” cue, where electronics provide a powerful sense of urgency). Lockington’s career as an orchestrator is very evident in this score, as every section of the ensemble appears to be contributing to, and not just endlessly emulating, the thematic ideas as a whole.
All in all, while this type of adventure score may not be anything groundbreaking, it overcomes any apparent weaknesses with its intelligent construction and orchestration, infectious thematic variations, and uncanny sense of spirit.
Future Projects for Lockington after Journey to the Center of the Earth?
With Journey to the Center of the Earth, Lockington has displayed a fine knack for thrilling composition, and hopefully will be hired for more high-profile assignments in future. He has also been hired to write a score for another underground Walden Media vehicle, “City of Ember,” and hopes are high that this too will be a memorable musical ride.
In any case, fans of old-fashioned orchestral scores should not hesitate to seek out this release, available as a download from Apple’s iTunes or as a CD from Silva Screen Records.
Album cover for 'Journey'
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Andrew Lockington, Composer
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