As far as I'm concerned, there's only one "Alien" composer...

Jerry Goldsmith!

The others I have no interest in. Either watching or listening.



victoravalentine, September 28, 2008; 5:36 PM

there is always this wrong attitude which I really hate:

"there is only one alien composer"
"there is only one true godzilla"
"there is only one king kong"

it's all a bunch of garbage you guys talk! especially workingwithknives. you still believe the world is flat, don't you?

times change and so does everything.
if something comes first, does not mean it will be the best ever.

for me, ALIENS is the best movie and score from the quadrology.

red.bprd, September 28, 2008; 6:25 PM

To each his or her own.

There is no right or wrong anser. Just personal opinion and preference.

Keep the responses coming and thank you guys and gals!

delerue, September 28, 2008; 7:35 PM

As a matter of fact, there is only one "King Kong". The 1933 version. The 1976 remake is a piece of garbage with a fine John Barry score.

The original "Alien" is the best. I love that film. It has a mood all its own with a good bit of hat tipping to the sci-fi films of the 50's. I see a big "Rocketship XM" influence.

As for "Aliens" with the James Horner score. I can't stand it. Half ass military machismo is geared towards idiots. Should have ended with the first film.

"Planet Of The Apes" should have ended with the first film although I like the Leonard Rosenman score for the second and the Goldsmith score for the third. The Tom Scott score for the fourth is really bad.

Whoever it was that jumped on my case for having an opinion can screw himself, in my opinion.

No, I don't believe the world is flat although I wouldn't be surprised if your head is.

victoravalentine, September 28, 2008; 8:05 PM

thank god there is only one workingwithknives and no sequels. hope it stays this way LOL

red.bprd, September 29, 2008; 6:54 AM

1.- Goldsmith: The best film and the best score.
2.- Goldenthal: Highly interesting avant garde score for a less interesting movie.
3.- Horner: Very amusing score and film. I don't like Horner copying the classics, but the action stuff is really good.
4.- Frizzell: Boring score and film. All in all, Frizzell's music works well with the images.

By the way, the 1933 KING KONG was the first (and a classic in its own), but I enjoyed enormously Peter Jackson's movie. In my humble opinion, an excellent film.

Regards,
Angel

angeldibujo, September 29, 2008; 9:16 AM

In fact, there is only 1 Godzilla, and it wasn't born in the States!
To find proof, check out Final Wars, where the real one kicks the knock-off US-version's big CGI butt.
Same goes for Kong, we did absolutely not need that longer-than-anyone-can-stand 2nd(!) remake.

But to answer your question, I also have a soft spot for Goldenthal's angelic/goth approach. It complements the most profound themes throughout the film, which lie far and beyond the initial 2.
With Goldsmith's score being a true classic, I don't care much for Horner's part in the quadrilogy. The militaristic angle is too obvious, unoriginal and all too present.
Frizzell's score made no impression on me, pure run-of-the-mill contemporary popcorn stuff imho.

rinse_dream, September 29, 2008; 11:44 AM

Alien is a good score, but apart from the film not always a good listening experience. for me, Aliens is the best movie and also the best score, because apart from the film it is also a great listening experience with far more variations: action, bombast, suspence, heroism, joy, etc. Alien 3 and 4 both suck. Alien 3 is the worst sequel ever!

dirk.j.jansen, September 30, 2008; 7:32 AM

IMHO,there is only ALIEN TRILOGY!!!(Alien Resurrection is garbage shouldn't exist at all. )

Jerry Goldsmith obviously is great, fantastic creativity!

James Horner is on his top! Why some guys always hate Aliens and Horner so?! of course i know about Star TrekII & Brainstorm, don't tell me 'the repetitiveness' things any more, it's unfair and unwisdom! there was so many classical composers had ever quoted pieces of old work into their symphony or opera.

Alien3 score is a magnificent gothic poem, i always admire it so much. marvelous composition by Elliott Goldenthal.


3 compositions are so different, however each have their own private quality and does great in their own way. you should not deny any one of them.

artlooker, September 30, 2008; 9:51 PM