Mark ISHAM Rules of
Engagement 
London Metropolitan Orchestra, Mark
Isham Trumpet MILAN
73138 35906 [41:59]
There is a moment within the first track ('No Victories, No
Defeats') where the brass section and military percussion rise above the
somewhat cliché solo trumpet, sounding unusually like a glorious throwback
to the Silver Age of motion picture music. I thought, If the score holds
onto this momentum then here is one of the most interesting score of 2000
thus far.
Mark Isham's "Rules of Engagement" does not maintain a steady
motion, but it possesses enough dramatic strength and musical distinction
to provide average entertainment. It observes many of the expectations for
a military courtroom/conspiracy melodrama -- there are the aforementioned
trumpet solos and the obligatory snares and those overly modest 'tension'
cues that deliberately aim to annoy by leading nowhere (One of the rules
of disengagement?). The groundwork of the score comes from an earlier Isham
composition, 'On the Threshold of Liberty,' that is not only acknowledged
and credited but also included in its entirety at the end of the disc for
comparison! Hurrah!
The nicely performed trumpet solos by Isham are more introspective
than usual. "Rules" has an air of somber reflection. The obligatory frazzled
strings and sustained chords dominate the atmospheric cues, along with
synthesized ruckus that divert attention from the orchestral backing...The
reoccurring 'heartbeat' is a transparent horror device that wangles the listener
into feeling assaulted, and it works. I wish the blasted thing would just
go away.
So the score does not grow far beyond its roots, and more
substantive writing could certainly make a greater emotional impression
notwithstanding, Isham does achieve a captivating tautness when every note
is said and done. Three tracks of material not contained in the film, including
the aforementioned original recording of 'On the Threshold of Liberty,' flesh
out the disc. The packaging offers the standard assortment of motion picture
stills plus notes from the director. As an album it is of the sort one reserves
for an impulse buy - a purchase that brings satisfaction, but is not necessarily
worth every bit of thoughtful effort.
Reviewer
Jeffrey Wheeler
