Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Errol Morris' adroitly assembled documentary film "The Fog of War" examines the career of Robert S. McNamara-- United States Secretary of Defense during the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations and whose tenure includes the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crises. Combining excerpts from 26 hours of interviews with McNamara, archival footage, filmed recreations, as well as newly declassified White House recordings Morris' filmmaking illuminates a national past that ominously parallels the contemporary political present. Morris reveals what previous biographies failed to investigate—the relationship between McNamara and the infamous United States General Curtis LeMay and their involvement in the firebombing of Tokyo—along with 67 other Japanese cities—in 1945. Errol Morris states "The easy thing to say would be McNamara is a bad guy, he did all these bad things...the story is more complex and far more interesting than I imagined. The disturbing thing is that this was a man with real ethical dimension who did something terrible."As with music previously contributed to Morris' films, Philip Glass' score to "The Fog of War" effortlessly supports and enhances the film. The music, at times lyrical and at other times intense, deepens the horrifying images of war, highlighting the ambiguities of McNamara's character—and the consequences of his actions. Glass' music reinforces Morris' effort to understand the difficult ethical questions about governing and power raised by "The Fog of War".
Album Description
The acclaimed composer's score to the 2003 documentary by Errol Morris, their third collaboration. The film is subtitled ''11 Songs From The Life of Robert S. McNamara. Orange Mountain Music.
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Customer Reviews Read 4 more reviews...
One of the best of his albums January 14, 2008
Pedro I. Alsua Morchio (Stgo, Chile)
I came aware of Philip Glass by wacthing this documental, so this record was my first impression of his work. Now I have almost all of his discografy and I still feel "the fog of war" soundtrack is one of his top 4 records.
Highly instrumentalized music, with hypnotic monotony.
(G)lassy July 27, 2007
David A. Baer (Indianapolis, IN USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Some people hear things others never do. Of these, a few write them down. Of these, a small number create a theme and variations upon it that cohere and enthrall.
Philip Glass belongs to this minute group of human beings. Fortunately for us, recorded music exists to make his work available to all and at any time. His soundtrack for the Errol Morros documentary on Robert McNamara is a lesson in how to create film music that unobtrusively ups the ante of the film it graces.
Glass' score both intensifies and accelerates the movie. It is nearly impossible for one not to experience a quickened pulse when Glass pulls together--of all things, a snare drum, a bit of low brass, and a flute.
Ah, that flute. It floats in and out of track after track, bereft of its customary vibrato, a penetrating, entrancing reminder that something serious is going on in the film. It is a masterful use of a small, metal pipe. At the command of Glass, the humble flute and its younger brother the piccolo punch considerably above their weight.
Who could write such a work? Probably only Philip Glass.
The movie's pretty good, too.
Excellent August 9, 2006
C. Canger (USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Intriguing historical account of MacNamara- what he was thinking, what he did not say during two administrations involved in the Viet Name war. Use of film footage and Philip Glass' eerie and ominous soundtrack further developed the power of this film.
The film was great, but the score made it outstanding. August 5, 2004
Joel Munyon (Joliet, Illinois - the poohole of America.)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
Ever thought about what it would be like to watch a film with no muscial score? I have and I did for this documentary. Believe me when I write this, there's no way this film would have been as good without Glass' melodic brutality looming in the background.
Glass does something wonderful with this score; he gives war, uncertainty, doubt and fear a musical element, an audible personality that captures each bomb, burnt building and ominous threat in complete perfection, leaving your ears and your mind in a state of disbelief and amazement, thinking to yourself, "Wow, that music fits this segment like a glove."
The Thin Blue Line score made me an instant Glass fan but this score made me borderline Glass fanatic.
In my opinion, he surpasses Carter Burwell in the category of most unflinching film composer.......by a long shot.
A Great Soundtrack for a Great Film May 23, 2004
B. Slooten (Los Angeles, CA)
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
Errol Morris is the best documentary film maker ever and The Fog of War is his crowning achievement. The film explores the complexity of war and how it evolves. There is no political bias or agenda here...just plain truth and facts. Great work. Equal to the task is Phillip Glass's soundtrack. The music is haunting and eerie.
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