About the Soundtrack: Based on the best-selling novel, "The Kite Runner" has been given the full cinematic treatment with the film rendition of this Afghan story. While this isn't the traditional type of project that Hollywood dives into, the success of the book played a huge part in getting this to the screen. On to compose the score is Composer Alberto Iglesias, who received accolades for his work on "The Constant Gardner," and who now should receive even more praise for his work on this film. The score is one that offers music befitting the film with its middle eastern influences and dramatic content. The album, which is nicely designed and features track listings and times on the back, offers original score material, traditional afghan music and featured regional artists. There are 21 tracks in all, most of which is comprised of the film's score, and offers an ideal running time for a stand alone listening experience. With exceptional sound quality and excellent performances, this is a first rate release.
What You Need to Know: In what is a thoughtful, compelling body of work, "The Kite Runner" offers music that is both original and traditional. In what is truly a multi-cultural production, the score is keenly aware of the surroundings and characters that are depicted. Any time a cultural film like this is made, I am often concerned that the score will be a throw-in of music that is generic to the region. In this case, the Middle Eastern elements of the soundtrack could have been routine, included simply because the film takes place in Afghanistan. Not to worry though; Iglesias has you covered.
The album begins with an energetic tone of Afghan-styled music that is wrapped into a modern tapestry. Iglesias' opening track surely takes you to another part of the world with its authentic sound and lively performance. What's more, the tone is not only one of tradition but its also one of entertainment, even if the Middle Eastern type of music is not your cup of cai. Thus, the opening track sets the tone nicely. Another highlight of the early portion of this soundtrack is the cue entitled, "The Kite Tournament," offering over 5 minutes of music that is hopeful and enthusiastic. The track is so enlivened that it almost felt as though I could feel the mountain air breezing through the speakers! And make no doubt about it, you're not in Central Park; the music is far from generic and is very specific to the locale.
The first part of the film delves into the childhood bond between the main character and his friend, so the score lays the warm foundation down in the background to great effect (as evident by the two tracks I mentioned above). As the story takes you to darker, more perilous situations in Khaled Hosseini's story, the tone correctly shifts to foreboding moments of suspense and fright. The underscore in these moments are chilling at times, especially when you relate the music to the track titles. As we all know, a cue referring to "The Stadium" is not a pleasant thought under the Taliban rule. Indeed, there is a lot of dramatic content to digest with this film, so the score had to reflect the changing tides of the story. While that is the proper approach, the soundtrack does begin to lag a bit as it reaches its concluding tracks, with music that is a bit more somber and reflective. That said, the last track (non-score) on the album is a very interesting one entitled "Supplication," by Sami Yusuf. The deep, choral chanting provided a spiritual merit to the proceedings and concluded the album in a compelling way.
One other interesting note about the score -- as the music played on, I noticed a dash of Latin inspiration in the work by Iglesias, specifically in his use of string instruments. This is, actually, a great touch; I love it when a composer is able to add his or her own style to a film assignment. This is, is after all, how we can separate one Composer from another. While non-intrusive, it certainly stamps this film as Iglesias' own and I look forward to more of the same in future projects.
Final Grade: I sense an Academy Award and Golden Globe nod for Iglesias with his score for "The Kite Runner." The soundtrack has a richness to it that is exceptional. I suspect even the foreign audiences for this picture will pick up on the authenticity of the score and will appreciate it as well. While the slower pacing near the end of the album does effect the listening experience a bit, it doesn't tarnish the overall grade. "The Kite Runner" is a solid choice for your next soundtrack purchase.
