Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard - Batman Begins [Original Soundtrack] (CD)

All Music Guide

Director Christopher Nolan's brooding attempt at resurrecting the ailing Batman franchise is met headon by two of film music's most prolific and recognizable characters. The ultraserious tone that permeates Batman Begins is not limited to its gothic narrative and brooding visuals. Oscarwinning composers Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard have crafted an atmosphere that relies less on the dynamics of Danny Elfman and more on the rainsoaked soundscapes of Brian Eno and Blade Runnerera Vangelis. With over 60 minutes of music, Batman Begins' glacial pace makes for a challenging listen, and its insistence on remaining unabashedly nocturnal each track is named for a specific species of bat is both admirable and frustrating, as the main theme doesn't truly appear until nearly four tracks in. Though each composer shares a cowriting credit, listeners who are familiar with their work will recognize the signatures Howard's bleak and pastoral string and piano cues keep the film grounded, while... Zimmer utilizes the thunderous percussion and Sovietbloc chord structures that fueled both Crimson Tide and Gladiator. For those who were hoping for an audio repeat of the 1989 original, Batman Begins may prove to be a disappointment, but for longtime fans of the caped crusader's darker past, the lack of a traditional "summer blockbuster popcorn" score will come as a welcome surprise. - James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide Read more Less