Film Works, Vol. 2: Music for an Untitled Film by Walter Hill

by Joslyn LayneUnlike the other volumes of his film works, which compile various shorter scores that John Zorn composed over the years, Film Works, Vol. 2 presents one longer score, written for a Walter Hill film. So, unlike the others, there is a consistent mood throughout the entire release. Overall, it is very atmospheric, with sections of drawn-out tones that slowly build theater mists in the background of a deserted sense of waiting. Balancing stretches of this kind are sections of bent, mellow country. Marc Ribot's guitar and banjo trickle along the score, as the didjeridu steadily pushes through. Later comes a percussive-oriented dance track with prepared piano, a theme that recurs sporadically through the last third of the score. Lacking contrast, this one is definite background music, and although well done, it is also probably the least interesting of Zorn's film scores.