X-Men / X2 / Ottman (1 Viewer)

[Jacob_G]

Have you guys read the x-men 2 script review over at AICN? It's a glowing review of what could be on the big screen come 2003. I'm drooling with anticipation, though I'm a little dismayed that there aren't going to be any sentinels. I was hyped to see large robots terrorizing our beloved mutants.

However, that is not why I'm posting... In the review, Moriarty makes mention of Ottman's re-scoring of the original X-MEN movie for the upcoming special edition DVD. What do you guys think about this? Even though I'm not too keen on Kamen's original score, I think it a little [insert suitable adjective] of Singer to even consider re-scoring x-men. Kamen obviously put a lot of time and effort into the work.

Fill in the adjective, tell me what you guys think. I'm opposed to the idea, yet at the same time curious of the result (I loved the Usual Suspects score).

 

[Andy Sheets]

I don't mind it. I guess I can see how it might be seen as a slight to Kamen's work, but the truth is that I think it would be justified since I think Kamen's one of the most mediocre composers in Hollywood. Except for the neat electronic bit that he did for Mystique's theme, I really didn't like his score and I think Ottman will probably be an improvement.

 

[TheLongshot]

You know, that was the first that I heard that John Ottman was going to rescore the first film. I don't mind it as long as the original cut still exists. (Which I think it will, based on what I've heard from Bryan Singer in the past.)

Remember, John Ottman probably would have scored the film originally if he wasn't wrapped up in directing Urban Legends 2 at the time.

This probably should be good news, since the weakest aspects of the two major comic book franchises in movies right now (X-Men, Spiderman) were the score. While I don't think they are bad, they aren't nearly as memorable as, say, Superman. It should be interesting, at least.

Jason

 

[Luc]

Superheroes are larger than life and need large recognizable themes. X-Men just don't have that. Although I have it on CD and think it's OK, it's no where near Williams' Superman and Elfman's Batman.

Now come Spider-Man which above all else need a super theme but no.... it's not there. Sure there are themes but they're weak compared to his Batman.

I'm not sure if Ottman would have gave X-Men a better theme but I do find Ottman quite good at composing recognizable theme (Lake Placid comes to mind at the moment).

In Kamen defense after backlash from the film score community, it was the director's choice not to use huge themes. I just hope X-Men II will be different.

 

[Jacob_G]

I agree that there was a lack of really recognisable or memorable themes in x-men like there were in Batman. However several tracks were rather beautiful, most notably the "logan and rogue" track. I would really hate to see these pieces go. And even though Ottman may or may not produce a better score, it is largely irrelevant imo. It would be disrespectful to Kamen to rescore X-Men, even if both scores were to be included on the DVD.

Sure one could argue that Ottman was always the original choice and Urban Legends 2 simply didn't permit him to work on x-men. And, now that Ottman's schedule is clear, Singer is merely setting things straight. Well, all I know is, if I were Kamen, I'd feel back-stabbed. Remember also that Kamen, in a recent interview, said he offered Singer his services for X2.

On the flipside, I am very happy to hear that Ottman is going to do the sequel.

I just hope the rescoring is merely rumour, nothing more.

 

[William DAnnucci]

I am totally for the rescoring. Ottman is terrific, and the collaboration between him and Singer on USUAL SUSPECTS and APT PUPIL was just perfect. Other than THE IRON GIANT, Michael Kamen hasn't done a score that has impressed me since the 80s. I heard rumors of conflicts with him, Singer, and the studio, where his original score was scrapped. Was it better? We may never know. But the end results were pretty dismal, rarely matching the excitement onscreen.
The extended cut may not be able to use the Kamen score, just because certain scenes may be changed and would no longer be in sync with the music. And frankly, if Kamen had such a hard time with Fox and Singer on X1 (an already troubled production) why would he want to be involved?
For those who like X-MEN with Kamen, there is the original DVD. Considering that the main reasons I didn't get it were the short length, the Kamen score, and the lack of Singer commentary... hell yeah I'm happy!

 

[Rob T]

Singer has never liked Kamen's score and he regrets the fact that FOX convinced him to bring Kamen onto the project. He now plans to fix that mistake and I can't wait to hear what Ottman comes up with.

 

[Sean Bryan]

Now come Spider-Man which above all else need a super theme but no.... it's not there.

True, there really wasn't a recognizable theme for Spidey in the course of the film proper, but you do get to hear the theme we all know and love at the end of the credits.
As I was walking out of the theater (after having totally loved the film) I was humming the "Spider-Man, Spider-Man....Does whatever a spider can. Spins a web, any size. Catches thieves, just like flies. Look out! Here comes the Spider-Man! Is he strong? Listen, bud. He's got radio active blood. Can he swing - from a thread? Take a look - overhead. Hey there, there goes the Spider-Man! In the chill of night, at the scene of a crime, like a streak of light, he arives just in time! Spider-Man, Spider-Man, freindly neighborhood Spider-Man......" song.
The movie and the playing of that song at the end of the credits refreshed my memory of it, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

 

[Peter Apruzzese]

Ottman will most likely NOT be replacing the Kamen score in X-Men (he will be supervising the editing of the new scenes into the film). He will, however, be both editing AND scoring X-Men 2.
Source: Dan Goldwasser, the webmaster of the official John Ottman website as quoted in this thread: http://www.moviemusic.com/mb/Forum1/HTML/009324.html

 

[Jacob_G]

Very interesting link there. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[Luc]

My wife who don't know jack about film music, asked me after the movie why the cartoon spider-man song didn't come on (we missed the end credits), and I went on saying how silly she was for thinking that it's going to be on it, blah blah blah....
Well, guess I'm the silly one .
John Ottman is a real nice guy. I emailed him and he emailed back and we had a few exchange before I decided to not bother this busy guy anymore.
I doubt he'll rescore X-Men. It just doesn't make sense to do it now. However, I do wish that he can do X2.
Someone go to his site and email him about this and I'm sure you'll get a response from him. He's very much in touch with his fans.

 

[Peter Apruzzese]

However, I do wish that he can do X2.

Luc, read Post #9.

 

[Luc]

Peter, key word "wish" .