The Illustrated Man

In his evocative score to a largely forgotten 1969 anthology film (based on a collection of short stories by Ray Bradbury), Jerry Goldsmith weaves a simple, haunting melody through four permutations. Initially appearing in the "Main Title" as vocalese over orchestra, the melody wafts in as a sort of folk tune, utilized in a fairly traditional style for the film's framing segments. The three individual sections of the anthology then take the tune into more interesting variations, from the harsh electronics of the future in "The Veldt" (tracks seven through ten) to the quiet, woodwind-dominant feel of "The Last Night of the World" (tracks 14 and 15). The climactic "Frightened Willie" provides a terrific glimpse at Goldsmith's clever use of percussion and atonality to create a nightmarish soundscape. Throughout his career, Goldsmith was able to create scores that overshadowed the often workmanlike films they were composed to accompany. In the case of The Illustrated Man, even Ray Bradbury (according to the liner notes) felt that the music was better than the movie itself. The sound on this recording is superb, with the music (from 30-year-old masters) still feeling fresh and vital. This dynamic mix of Goldsmith's lyrical and serial compositional techniques is a solid addition to the composer's recorded legacy. ~ Neil Shurley