Soundtrack Review: The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
| Reviewer: JØrn Tillnes |
The Lincoln Lawyer Soundtrack Review: This is a review of the film score The Lincoln Lawyer by Cliff Martinez.
"This is not for the purists who enjoy bold scoring with great themes"
L.A. criminal defense attorney Mickey Haller is what you call a "back seat" lawyer. He conduct business from the back of his car. When he sign up with his most profitable client to date, Louis Roulet, he discovers that it's not all about the money. He questions his own morality and finds out how far he is willing to go. This story of morality is directed by Brad Furman and joining him is composer Cliff Martinez.
Track List
| 1. How's it Hangin' Counselor?/td> | **** |
| 2. Looks a Little Short to me | *** |
| 3. How Does Reggie Tell it? | **** |
| 4. We Did a Couple of Things Right | ***** |
| 5. You're Right, I Killed Her | **** |
| 6. I Can Kick Your Ass | ***** |
| 7. You Lied Val | **** |
| 8. Did I Get Frank Killed? | *** |
| 9. I'm a Missionary Man | **** |
| 10. About Those Thousand Razors | **** |
| 11. Woodsman | **** |
| 12. You've Got Someplace to be | **** |
| 13. I Got This | **** |
| 14. Directed Verdict | **** |
| 15. Whose Side Are You On? | *** |
| 16. Shoot Me Right Now | *** |
| 17. Track Him | **** |
| 18. 911, What's Your Emergency? | **** |
| 19. Repeat Customers | *** |
Unmistakable Style
For those who has been listening to scores for a while, I'm sure you are aware of Cliff Martinez whose style is unmistakable. Scores like Solaris has put him on the map as a go-to composer when you want a minimalistic mood-driven score. The Lincoln Lawyer will not surprise you much if you are familiar with Martinez style of scoring. The mood sets right in with 'How's it Hangin' Counselor?' with a moody but gritty theme that sets the standard right there. I think this is also where we roll our eyes and look at Matthew McConaughey and think: "What an asshole!". At least that's what I get from looking at the trailer.
What I like most are the even softer themes like 'We Did a Couple Things Right' that has a great melancholy theme tied to a moody piece. It makes for a relaxing and great listen. I also really enjoyed 'I Can Kick Your Ass' which is a more darker setting, and even though it has no melody, I enjoy the rhytm a lot.
The whole story is a sort of a "did he do it?" kind of a story so the score also reflects that, and not just in the titles. There is 'You're Right, I Killed Her' which is Ryan Philippe's way of lashing out at the no caring lawyer. It is as soft as 'We Did a Couple Things Right', but lacks the melody to get top marks. Then there's questions like 'Did I Get Frank Killed?' which is again questioning things, and Cliff Martinez is smartly orchestrating it in a bright minimalistic piece that gives me the feeling of remorse and confusion.
Conclusion
Whether you like The Lincoln Lawyer or not depends on if you enjoy Cliff Martinez style. This is not for the purists who enjoy bold scoring with great themes, but for those who can enjoy a nice minimalistic moody approach to scoring. I really enjoyed this, mostly based on the fact that it's so incredibly easy to listen to. It doesn't upset and sometimes I just want to listen to a score that can be listened to in detail and also blend in the background should you wish it.
CUE RATING: 75.7
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Listen to The Lincoln Lawyer soundtrack by Cliff Martinez below:
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