I can't answer why State of Grace (1990) is not held in higher, more revered esteem. It's an Irish gangster movie set in Hell's Kitchen featuring Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Oldman and Ed Harris. Beyond being a near flawless movie I'll always remember it for having the only love scene I can think of in cinema that actually approaches reality.
I also can't answer why Ennio Morricone's masterful score is not in print, or why no performed and recorded version of any of this score's titles was ever produced on one of Morricone's greatest hits compilations. (There is one version of State of Grace I saw on iTunes - on Ennio Morricone: Film Music Maestro- but it's a pretty shitty synthesized fake.)
So here's a rip I made of the opening titles, using my laptop. It's such an amazing use of orchestral color. Morricone always did his own orchestrations and it's hard to think of any film composer working today who can get this kind of texture. They just don't make em like this anymore.
I love the way this piece falls effortlessly back and forth between major and minor keys, like someone drifting in and out of sleep. It sets the tone for a great story about fragile things in the thorns of violence.
You're welcome!
Ennio Morricone - State of Grace Opening Titles
2 comments:
When I had a major Gary Oldman streak in high school, this was at the top of my list. It is very strange that this film doesn't come up more.
And why every shred of Ennio Morricone isn't available is a mystery. Thanks, and now I'm going to rent this again.
Going to download it now if I can find it!
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