What You Need to Know: Much has been made about the time investment that Horner made to craft the score for this film. I believe that, and the dialogue of how the film will revolutionize how movies are made, will lead to an unjust criticism of the score. For me, the year that Horner had allotted to work on this project doesn't factor in too much toward my expectations. After all, I feel that many of the premiere composers come up with their best work when they have little time to work with and are pushed to deliver the product as quickly as possible (e.g.,
The 13th Warrior). As per my theory, having too much time could actually be detrimental to the final output of the score, thus my concern was not about how great
Avatar would be, but rather, would it feel too precise and not have a natural energy about it? Horner answers this question quite clearly...
Avatar is a formidable and enticing score, a guilty pleasure, if you will. But its not without its flaws. For one, the main theme for the picture is a bit simplistic and doesn't propel the music to greater heights. In fact, the first portion of the theme is recognizable from Titanic, which caused an immediate distraction to me, and simply doesn't round out into memorable shape. Another distraction is Horner's patented danger motif, which is a clear and unmistakable trademark that the composer insists on using in his works, also makes its appearance on a few occasions. Hey, it wouldn't feel like a Horner score if it weren't included, right?
The side of Avatar that appealed most to me is the music that represents the Na'vi. It's in these moments that Horner breaks familiarity a bit and delivers that kind of different and unique music I had expected. Led by "alien" vocals, eclectic instruments, and a melodic foundation as its guide, the Na'vi segments represent many of the highlights within the score. In fact, I can recommend that you actually begin listening to the soundtrack from Track 5 on, which is where the journey will truly envelop you (the first 4 cues simply passed on by for me without any juice).
The military might present in the story is never fully represented musically; at least in the manner I had thought. Instead, there is a stronger presence of heroic motifs relative to the Na'vi as opposed to aggressive, militaristic statements I had envisioned. It's easy to tell that the music favors the alien life in this tale! Only when the score touches down on the track entitled, War, is there an increased urgency about it. But make no mistake, when the score hits this gear, it doesn't slow up or stand down; it goes full tilt in a rather bold manner.
In the end, was I hoping that Horner would have taken greater chances with Avatar? Of course. However, when there is over $400 million on the line, I doubt the producers would have permitted a course that strayed too far off the commercial pathway. Thus, I get the sense Horner compromised a bit in delivering what he did. Ultimately, if you check your reservations and brush off the inevitability of familiarity, then you will be in for a fully engaging ride with one of the best soundtrack listening experiences of the year.
