If there is one thing that can be said about Michael Giacchino's score for Pixar's "Ratatouille," it certainly has a lot of flavor. Re teaming with Brad Bird, who previously helmed the smash hit, "The Incredibles," Giacchino finds himself in yet another prime scoring opportunity with "Ratatouille." The animated film has all the indicators of success pointing in its favor and the composer is certainly there to help guide the music behind it.
"Ratatouille" has a musical style all its own, incorporating a French fusion within the offerings. That said, it's also a 'classic' sounding score, leaving behind the modern type of music we've been accustomed to and waltzes fearlessly back into the past. In short, Giacchino isn't afraid to let the music flourish on its own, ideal for the movie it's developed for and entertaining to listen to all at the same time. Perhaps the best compliment I can pay to the work on display here is that the music places you squarely in the setting of the movie. It's unmistakable and when heard apart from the movie, you will never get the sense that you're listening to notes that can be transplanted elsewhere. Indeed, the musical voice for this film is clearly established. That said, how is the music?
By and large, the score is a lot of fun and doesn't bore. In animated works, it's easy to get caught up with incidental music that is workable but not memorable, much like the music from most of Pixar's movie roster. With the jazzy sound of "The Incredibles" and now the whimsical fusion dish, "Ratatouille," Giacchino is making a statement with his work that is creative, entertaining and appropriate. Where other Pixar soundtracks might offer 'action' music (and by that, I mean cartoon style) that are largely dismissed, the cues of a faster pace in "Ratatouille" have a nice feel to it and is easier to get into. It's this type of orchestral energy that first drew me into Giacchino's work for "Medal of Honor." And while this film is quite clearly cut from a totally separate cloth than that, the fundamentals remain intact.
Some of the noteworthy tracks include a nicely timed end credits suite, where the playful nature of the movie is brought to life in a 9 minute sequence while a statement of the "Ratatouille" theme thereafter closes the album out in a delightful fashion. Also worthy of praise is how the album actually begins, offering a performance of a song entitled Le Festin, which pulls us in with its dreamy melody and (French) lyrics. And that's not the only mood setter -- this score is breezy and light in many parts, thanks in part to the assortment of instruments pulled together. From what I can tell, there are strings, piano, accordion and harmonica (and maybe even a saxophone) brought together in a potpourri of instrumentation.
Lest I forget, you will also be treated to a buffet of mischievous sounding music with this score. And let's face it, when dealing with a rat who is a budding chef, you're bound to have such naughty playfulness present somewhere in the proceedings. For a good example of this, tune into track 3 ('This is Me') after you've bought the album and you'll be treated to a bit of mayhem. With so many aspects to this soundtrack, one would think that it could have been a bit unbalanced with its presentation but that is not so -- this is a very well written effort and it shows.
In summary, one has to continue to be impressed with both Giacchino's developing talent and also his versatility. While the only detriment to this album is that you have to be in a specific, lighthearted mood to listen to it, "Ratatouille" is a fine score, and has enough color and charm to win you over in one capacity or another. Kudos also to Brad Bird and his creative team on yet another original premise that the world of movies will benefit from. The score alone can attest to the creativity behind Chef Bird's kitchen!
