About the Soundtrack: Patrick Doyle's busy 2007 campaign continues with his score for, "Sleuth."  This modern remake of the original was greeted with less than enthusiastic overtures from audiences but that didn't stop the composer from delivering a clever score.  What you will get with this soundtrack is music that is driven by a minimalist style; this isn't a bold, orchestral engagement.  That doesn't stop it from being effective, and interesting, however.  The album offers a tone that is consistent throughout and concludes with an odd insertion -- a techo rendition of the score's main theme, produces by Patrick Doyle's son. 

 

What You Need to Know:  In a situation like this, I had to place my common interest in larger orchestral works aside to appreciate what Doyle did with this score.  There aren't many instruments at work in "Sleuth" but that doesn't keep it from holding your attention.  The tone is one of mystery and suspense and its delivered with refined subtlety.  Sometimes its nice to take a step back and listen to a score that you can hear individual performances in; one that is patient and precise.  Indeed, there is a respectable consistency from one track to the next, each offering a similar type of vibe.  If you're not patient going into this one then you'll get burned as this is the type of soundtrack that requires you to slow down and take it in.  An interesting dimension to the work here is that there is a slow build up to the concluding score track.  This track, entitled 'Sleuth,' appropriately enough, plays like a suite by its length, inclusion of the score's main themes, and its motifs.  It is also delivered with a bit more of a climactic urgency, making it a fitting and appropriate finale track.   Needless to say, I felt that this was the most effective cue of the score and is my favorite from "Sleuth."

 

In an attempt to add a modernizing exclamation point to the film, an unusual (but entertaining) rendition of the themes from "Sleuth" closes out the soundtrack.  The themes are delivered in an upbeat, modern, techno style and it plays contrary to what was heard on the album.  While I did enjoy it for what it was, it felt a bit out of place in a score of such elegance.  It's a track that I kiddingly call, Club Sleuth.

 

Final Grade:  Okay everyone, this is a conditional recommendation.  I don't like to do this often, but sometimes its a must.  This is a soundtrack that is very well made and offers a dark elegance to it, however, the restrained pacing of the work may not hold everyone's attention.  If you're a modern fan who enjoys primarily the Hans Zimmer/Trevor Rabin style, than you must pass on this.  However, if you're of a more open mind and have an appreciation for 'classical' sounding works, then pick this one up and prepare to be absorbed by a minimal yet effective brand of orchestral music.