Nerdly » ‘Assassin’s Creed: Original Motion Picture Score’ Review

16th Dec2016

‘Assassin’s Creed: Original Motion Picture Score’ Review

by Paul Metcalf

It is fair to say that while I review a lot of movies, the scores aren’t really something I look at. This is why when I was offered the chance to review the Assassin’s Creed: Original Motion Picture Score composed by Jed Kurzel, I jumped at the chance. performed by the London Contemporary Orchestra it is a score full of power. While I may have some doubts about the film itself, I found myself enjoying the music that it will include.

Looking at the track listing (which I will list at the end of the review as there are mild spoilers, and it makes it easier to skip over) there are various prompts as to what to expect. We see tracks that are obviously based in reality (and the past lives), and then we have ones such as “Abstergo” which are more futuristic in manner.

The tracks based in reality like “Young Cal” which is the first on the score is heavy on the string instruments and has a classic feel to it. This is a fast-paced piece of music and evokes the feel of a chase. Listening to this track, I found it easy to guess what style the music would take, and thankfully I was right.

Moving to tracks such as First Regression, the musical style is more electronic and industrial in feel as the machinery of the Animus takes over and Callum Lynch is sent into the past and into the experiences of Aguilar. These tracks are heavier in feel as we are meant to feel overwhelmed by the technology that is taking control. This is an interesting duality between the two realities and the organic feel of reality.

I mentioned previously that the track listing could be seen as spoilers but really, they don’t offer too many clues. To Assassin’s Creed fans of course, such mention as “The Apple” and “The Creed” are obviously hints as to what is included in the plot. I’m a fan of the game, and listening to The Apple (as an example), the track has that mysterious feel to it that you expect from this element of the storyline.

For fans of music, the mix of classic music and industrial is an interesting one. This isn’t just in individual songs themselves, but some of the pieces are a mix-up of both styles which Jed Kurzel merges together well. Looking at his previous work such as The Babadook, Macbeth, and Slow West there is a recognisable style there for fans to enjoy.

While I’ve not seen Assassin’s Creed yet, I did find that I enjoyed the Assassin’s Creed: Original Motion Picture Score and would listen to it again, especially as motivation to do work. It is a fairly uplifting score that has an element of power to it that inspires action. This is exactly what a film like Assassin’s Creed needs, and Jed Kurzel definitely delivers. Now to wait for the film itself to be released so that we can see if it can break the curse of bad video game movies… and be good!

****½ 4.5/5

Assassin’s Creed: Original Motion Picture Score is available digitally now.

Track Listing: