Willow review

Willow (1988)

Composer: James Horner

Number of tracks: 8

Total time: 73:16

Overview:

By the late 80's, visual effect driven films were becoming more and more prevalent and pushing the limits on what could be filmed and put on-screen. It was only fitting that George Lucas, who had helped jump start the "Special effects boom" of the late 70's with Star Wars (1977), would help to produce the next film to make a a giant leap in visual effects, Willow (1988). This time, Lucas would merely act as one of the producers and writers of the project and let a young Ron Howard take directing duties.

The film follows Willow (Warwick Davis) as he tries to keep the evil queen Bavmorda from killing the baby Elora Danan, who is destined to overthrow the queen. Along the way, Willow encounters several odd characters including a rogue warrior (Val Kilmer) and an old sorceress who is stuck in animal form. Ultimately, the heros face-off against the evil of the land at a great battle in Bavmorda's castle.

By this point in James Horner's career his style was going through a change from the harsher action styles of his early 80's works such as Star Trek II (1982) and Aliens (1986), to the much more lush orchestrations of scores like An American Tail (1986) and Land Before Time (1988). Thankfully, Willow combines the best of both styles in one great and memorable package.

Review of the music:

Horner wrote five central themes for the film that are all unique and intriguing in their own way. The Main theme is a bold and brassy fanfare that acts as both a theme for Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) and for heroic actions which is introduced first in "Escape from the Tavern". The theme is very swashbuckling in style and bears a heavy resemblance to the opening of Robert Schumann's 3rd Symphony, though the theme is very much a work of Horner. The secondary central theme is for Elora Danan (the baby princess) and is by far one of Horner's best sweepingly beautiful themes prior to Legends of the Fall (1994). The third primary theme is for Willow himself and is a much more fitting piece for the hero instead of the Main theme's fanfare, which is commonly mistaken for Willow's theme. Both Willow's theme and Elora Danan's theme first appear during the opening track "Elora Danan", with the theme for Willow appearing late in the cue.

The villains of the film also receive two distinct themes, both impressive, if repetitive in their use. The primary bad guy theme is the dreaded "danger motif", the four-note brass motif that Horner is so fond of using. Its use in Willow is rather repetitive, though it does do its job of letting you know when the villains have entered. The next theme is for Bavmorda (or is it General Kael?) and is simply a series of descending bass notes.

Along with the strong array of themes, Horner also uses several specialty instruments including bagpipes, pan pipes, various drums and the ever impressive shahukachi flute. Interestingly enough, for this score the shahukachi is used in a more lyrical way playing alongside the orchestra in performances of the Elora Danan theme and others. Still, Horner knows when to let the eerie side of the shahukachi shine through during cues like "Tir Asleen" and "Bavmorda's Spell is Cast".

Willow also perfectly shows off the best of Horner's early action stylings alongside his maturing romantic sensibilities of the late 80's. The score perfectly moves from sweeping string passages to rollicking action pieces that rival the action cues in Aliens (1986). By far the finest action pieces are "Escape from the Tavern", "Tir Asleen" and the last half of "Bavmorda's Spell is Cast". The last track features one of the most resounding villain death cues of the 80's. Thankfully the action music is still very lyrical, with multiple themes being stated during the surrounding racous.

Unfortunately there are some complaints to be had with the score/album. Horner's over fondness for the shahukachi flute means that it is used throughout the score. This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact that the flute is so distinct and unique that it lends itself to be attached to one mood or character (a la, Tristan's theme). It's slightly offputting to hear the distinct wailing of the shahukachi for everything from Elora Danan to Bavmorda casting a spell. Likewise the use of the specialty instruments for the "celebration music" at the start of the end credits is simply insuffurable.

Of more minor concern is the fact that the album tracks are rather long. The shortest cue is almost four minutes while the epic "Bavmorda's Spell is Cast" runs nearly nineteen minutes. Personally, the track lengths are no problem, but be forewarned they are truly "epic tracks". Also the ever present "recycling" issue hangs around Willow, mostly in the dissonant moments which are pulled straight from Aliens.

Review of packaging:

The CD comes in the familiar jewel case with a six page booklet. The liner notes contain tracklistings (with times), production photos, album credits and a note from director Ron Howard.

The back of the album contains tracklistings (with times) and a picture of of General Kael in the center (shudders...).

Closing thoughts:

This is one of those rare scores that I actually disliked when I first heard it. It was only recently that I realized how good it was and purchased it. I still don't believe this is Horner's masterpiece as many fans say, but it is definitely one of his finer works. The combination of the rollicking action material and the sweeping string passages make it an easy highlight of Mr. Horner's long career.

The album has some minor problems that unfortunately add up to it not being perfect, but overall this is one Horner score I would definitely recommend. Unfortunately, the album is out of print, but if you can find a copy, definitely pick it up.

Score:

4 out of 5