Score or Soundtrack?

[GrandTheftAaron]

After I bought a box set of Quentin Taratino movies, I've realised how much better a soundtrack with licensed music can be than a soundtrack with an original score. They seem more involved and gives the scene more personality. I do believe scores have their place in movies though, like Fight Club and Jurassic Park. What are your thoughts on score vs licensed tracks?

[Nuck Forbert]

It obviously depends how the music is used in the movie - whether it truly plays a part in telling the story or not - but I think an original score can be more uniquely evocative.

Take the movie Gladiator for example, or the videogame Shenmue for another - the score is at the heart of the story and takes you right back there when you hear it.

But on the other side of the argument, anyone who listens to Stuck In The Middle With You and isn't reminded of Reservoir Dogs simply hasn't seen Reservoir Dogs.

[GrandTheftAaron]

But on the other side of the argument, anyone who listens to Stuck In The Middle With You and isn't reminded of Reservoir Dogs simply hasn't seen Reservoir Dogs.

That scene is actually what gave me the idea for this topic! I agree, score soudtracks can really make an impact when done correctly. Pirates of the Carribean also had a terrific score and it really made the movie.

[Godfather]

I think it depends on the song and placement in the movie. Easy rider is a great example, when I hear the song "Born to be Wild" I think of cruising on a motorcycle/chopper - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGLBy2C ... re=related. But also, Star Wars had a great score when Darth Vader marches into a scene - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr4yUV5B ... re=related. So I can dig either.