Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Terminator 2 is one of a handful of sequel anomalies, in that it was, in many respects, not only a worthy successor to its predecessor, but that it is often considered to be even better than the first film of the series.
Who could forget the lean, toned Linda Hamilton as the heroine of the movie? Like Ripley from Alien, Hamilton's Sarah Connor was one of the first really strong action heroines on film.
Some of the success of Terminator 2 is attributable to Brad Fiedel's soundtrack, that acoustically captures the robotic nature of the lead character of the film: the machine.
Apparently, Fiedel has said: “I take no responsibility for what may happen if you listen to this while driving!” I laughed when I read it … until I imagined listening to the score while driving.
Remember, this film has its fair share of automotive action scenes; it's difficult to listen to the soundtrack, and not feel the need to hide or flee! It certainly gets the pulse racing.
The percussive opening number has become an anthem for quality sci-fi adventure films. It's dramatic, subtly futuristic, and epic in nature. Those elements are present throughout the soundtrack, but what's particularly striking, is just how complex some of the score is, incorporating not only instruments but other sound into the mix.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is a thrilling score: one for which Brad Fiedel deservedly won an award from the American Screen Composers, Authors and Publishers.