*Read John Williams’ biography here
The Patriot
Directed by Roland Emmerich, this 2000 movie stars Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. The movie is about a peaceful farmer who is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution after a sadistic British officer murders his son.
The score was originally meant to be composed by David Arnold, however his work was ultimately rejected with John Williams replacing him. Williams’ score was nominated for Best Original Score at the Academy Awards, but lost to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
The score to this movie is very much classic Williams. There are rousing marches (not surprising considering the military theme) and sweeping love themes – all tied together with motifs that reappear throughout the score. There are three main themes, one of which is in The Patriot Theme (in the clip below).
Within the theme is a march which fits with the theme of the movie perfectly. The march starts about 2 minutes 50 seconds in (clip below). A little bit further in, about 3 minutes and 20 seconds is my absolute favourite part of the score. I love this motif. We played this in my concert band and it was a favourite for me there as well (and not because of my part!).
I would imagine this movie has a lot more meaning for Americans than it does for the rest of the world. I have seen the movie and thought it was okay, but it isn’t one I’ve wanted to see again. Similarly, some of the music in this movie is fabulous, but it doesn’t stir me because of the symbolism in the movie, rather it’s just music I enjoy (particularly from 3minutes 22 seconds in). Does this movie stir you because of patriotism or because it is just music you enjoy? Or maybe you don’t like the music at all?
April 18, 2019 at 9:38 pm
So I just listened to a little bit of the start of this clip but I think it kind of conveys they movie well just in that first minute.
But I have to say, I LOVE this movie! I totally love war/period pieces and when this came out, my mom took me to see it in the theatres and we sat right by a speaker and the suction sound that is made when the canon ball takes a dude’s head off, almost made her throw up in the theatre haha!!!
April 23, 2019 at 8:33 am
Oh no! Your poor mum. Did she enjoy the movie anyway?
April 19, 2019 at 12:35 pm
I wasn’t a fan of the movie. It was okay, but I wasn’t too into it. Patriotism… Yeah, I don’t know about patriotism. Especially now.
April 23, 2019 at 8:34 am
I think patriotic movies are really enjoyed more by the people of that country, so I won’t bother to see it again. I still think the music is fab though.
April 23, 2019 at 12:30 pm
I’m not sure I’ve seen this whole movie–maybe just part. The music seems familiar.
April 23, 2019 at 6:06 pm
I wonder how often you hear the music without seeing the film? I only know it away from the movie because I have played it in band.