What You Need to Know: So often, a score for a movie such as this can offer ambiguous, synthesized background music in an effort to provide a "modernized" sound. To my relief, the direction of the "Max Payne" soundtrack differed from such an approach and offered a specific, noir style music with an edge. In short, this score had its own, original style to it.
The music offers a unique blend of electronic styles and traditional orchestral instruments that come together to forge an interesting brand of music. It's easy to hear the collaborative voice behind the writing of Beltrami and Sanders. While there are plenty of instances in which the gritty nature of the story translated through in the notes, there were also a few moments of surprisingly effective emotional statements or motifs that stood out. Going into this, I didn't quite expect any tracks with significant emotional relevance but I was wrong; there is indeed a dramatic touch in the material, mostly associated with the loss that Max copes with.
Another cool vibe that the score offers are the rugged beats that pop up on occasion during the album. What I enjoyed most about these electronic renditions was the originality behind it...these notes didn't sound like generic stock samples from an electronic library at all. Working hand in hand with the orchestral textures, the synth instrumentation converged with live instruments to create a highly stylized canvas of modern noir music. Gritty, cool and hip, I'd say!
The running time for this particular score is perfect. Had this album played on past the 50 minute mark or so, then I think we would have had diminished returns. Instead, this is a perfect little package that will keep you interested and entertained and it's a score that I will return to every once in a while to listen to again. Always nice to come away from an album with repeat value intact!
