Best of the obscure Ennio Morricone Soundtracks
An attempt to identify the best of the relatively unknown soundtracks of Ennio Morricone from his vast filmography which is a cornucopia of pleasant surprises.
As you might infer from my short write ups, I am not too good at writing about music :). I use words that come to my mind while describing the score for each movie. Mostly melancholic and tense and thrilling.
Some of the scores/films mentioned here might not be THAT obscure. But they are clearly not as well known as Morricone's really famous works.
As you might infer from my short write ups, I am not too good at writing about music :). I use words that come to my mind while describing the score for each movie. Mostly melancholic and tense and thrilling.
Some of the scores/films mentioned here might not be THAT obscure. But they are clearly not as well known as Morricone's really famous works.
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- DirectorRobert EnricoStarsJean-Louis TrintignantMarlène JobertPhilippe NoiretA stranger enters into and forever alters the life of a couple. He claims to be pursued by certain authorities who intend to prevent him from disclosing a secret that only he holds, whence the title. Is he lying, or insane - or is he telling the truth? Who, if anyone, is after him? And what *is* - the secret?I find it amazing that Morricone's work for this film is not better known. It is among his best. The title track - Il Segreto starts off like it could enter Un Uomo Da Rispettare territory with the sounds of water drops trickling, followed by a dissonant sound. But there is soon a melodious piano and it is beautiful when the violin kicks in.
Dal Mare has Edda Del Orso (?) starting off slowly and seductively and building up to a crescendo. It is as good as the title track.
The whole soundtrack has a menacing feel to it. I watched the movie and it was very good. - DirectorHenri VerneuilStarsJean-Paul BelmondoOmar SharifDyan CannonIn 1970s Athens a group of professional burglars plans an emerald heist from the home of a gem collector, but corrupt Greek police inspector Abel Zacharia is on their trail.This score is my favorite Morricone score over the last 2 years. It has so many good tunes in it. Right from the warm title theme to the haunting love theme. A true obscure classic as far as Morricone is concerned. I strongly recommend it.
- DirectorMassimo DallamanoStarsFabio TestiKarin BaalCristina GalbóA teacher who is having an affair with one of his students is reluctant to present an alibi when his lover witnesses the first in a series of murders connected to their school.Just one great melodious tune in this one. I love it. I have been playing this in my car for ages. Edda Del Orso in top form in this track.
- DirectorDario ArgentoStarsMichael BrandonMimsy FarmerJean-Pierre MarielleA musician is stalked by an unknown homicidal maniac, who blackmails him for the accidental killing of another stalker.This one has only one good tune, but it is sensational. Morricone's arrangement is so clever. The rest of the album contains many dissonant sounds. I am not a big fan of that kind of music. But this one is worth getting for the title track alone.
- DirectorSergio SollimaStarsOliver ReedFabio TestiPaola PitagoraAn Italian prison warden is forced to exchange a French criminal for his kidnapped wife, but they soon find themselves on the trail of a larger conspiracy.Another album like LE CASSE where Morricone really packs it in. Its not just UN AMICO which is great. There are many other great tunes in this score. Another underrated classic from Morricone.
- DirectorElio PetriStarsGian Maria VolontèMariangela MelatoGino PerniceA conscientious factory worker becomes embroiled in political activism after accidentally cutting off his finger while working a machine.It is a manic and pounding score. The score has a very edgy proletarian quality and its impact is tremendous as the film builds up towards a frenzied ending. Definitely one of Morricone's best. He did some very interesting work for Petri.
- DirectorPasquale Festa CampanileStarsFranco NeroCorinne CléryDavid HessA bickering couple driving cross-country through California pick up a psychotic hitchhiker, who threatens to kill them unless they take him to Mexico.Don't let the hippy song fool you into making any assumptions about this film :) This is a very sensuous soundtrack. It oozes sex, just like the movie. Orso is in top form.
- DirectorPaolo TavianiVittorio TavianiStarsMarcello MastroianniLea MassariMimsy FarmerA anarchist leader (Fulvio) wishes to retire, as he is old and tired. He tries to hide himself, but his friends find him and insist he carries on helping them.I bet most people would have heard the awesome tune from this album in the INGLORIOUS BASTERDS OST. But there are two fine variations of the same theme. And there is a great playful track as well.
- DirectorUmberto LenziStarsRobert HoffmannSuzy KendallIvan RassimovYoung couple interrupted during intimacy by disturbing discovery of a mutilated mannequin at beach ruins. Mysterious man present flees before being questioned, leaving couple unsettled and the night's events unresolved.Just a brilliant brilliant score with a combination of pop and classical tracks. Does contain some dissonant stuff as well.
- DirectorDamiano DamianiStarsAlessio OranoOrnella MutiTano CimarosaA young poor girl receives a marriage proposal from a mafia novice. She's going to refuse, but he's going to insist - at all cost.Great badass soundtrack for a battle of the sexes movie. The music sounds like something is boiling in a pot and just waiting to spill over. It is just perfect for this volatile movie which I strongly recommend.
- DirectorAlberto BevilacquaStarsUgo TognazziRomy SchneiderMarina BertiAs strikes upset Italy, the Califfa's husband is killed and she becomes a passionate militant of the strikers. She opposes the factory manager Doverdo who used to be himself a worker.
- DirectorElio PetriStarsGian Maria VolontèFlorinda BolkanGianni SantuccioA chief of detectives, homicide section, kills his mistress and deliberately leaves clues to prove his own responsibility for the crime.I guess it is not very obscure. But such a sensational score by Morricone. The title track perfectly complements Gian Maria Volante walking around menacingly.
- DirectorSalvatore SamperiStarsCarla GravinaBeba LoncarPhilippe LeroyLorenza has three young children who are victims of a media who wishes to turn out terrorists. She contends with her monstrous offspring and student revolts until she can't take it anymore.A plethora of wonderful tunes in this soundtrack. The innovative opening track - Ricreazione Divertita-Titoli, filled with evangelical chanting, war marching, nostalgic violins and melodious pianos is wonderful. There are many versions of another melodious melancholic tune called "Ninna Nanna Per Adulteri". Gorno di Lavoro is another catchy tune. Cannot recommend this soundtrack enough. I like it enough to want to check out the movie.
- DirectorLuigi ComenciniStarsMarcello MastroianniJacqueline BissetJean-Louis TrintignantThe investigation of the murder of ambiguous architect Garrone takes Police Commissioner Santamaria to the Turinese high society, but the results are unclear. In the meanwhile, another murder takes place.Italian name: La Donna Della Domenica. This one is awesome. Nearly as good as Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion. Though this one is more comical and less sinister sounding. There are many superb versions of the title track. Impaziente Pianino is a great rollicking piano only composition.
- DirectorLucio FulciStarsFlorinda BolkanStanley BakerJean SorelThe potentially unhinged daughter of a British politician is accused of killing her hedonistic neighbor after she witnesses the murder in a dream.One of the best Morricone-Edda Del Orso collaborations.
- DirectorPaolo SpinolaStarsGiovanna RalliCarla GravinaAnita SandersAbout the fading relationship between a professor and his wife.
- DirectorAldo LadoStarsIngrid ThulinJean SorelMario AdorfAn American journalist temporarily stationed in Central Europe searches for his new girlfriend, who has suddenly disappeared.The memorable humming of Edda makes this one very memorable. I guess it is not that obscure. Recommend the movie as well.
- DirectorDario ArgentoStarsAsia ArgentoThomas KretschmannMarco LeonardiA young policewoman slowly goes insane while tracking down an elusive serial rapist/killer through Italy when she herself becomes a victim of the brutal man's obsession.Reminded me of Jerry Goldsmith's score for THE OMEN. I love this one.
- DirectorMassimo PirriStarsLisa GastoniHoward RossKarin TrentepholFederico, a criminal on the run, forms an inappropriate relationship with 12-year-old Simona. Her mother Vera conspires with Federico to murder Simona's disabled father, straining Federico's bond with Simona.Morricone's idyllic sounding score is used in many scenes by the director. It is such a simple and beautiful melody on a piano, succeeded and punctuated by the violins and Edda Dell Orso's singing.
- DirectorPier Paolo PasoliniStarsTotòNinetto DavoliFemi BenussiTotò and his son Ninetto are drifting on a road in Italy when they meet a speaking crow.A terrific rollicking song with vocals is a great start to this soundtrack. It is such a great tune with elements of rock n roll. I am surprised it is not more famous and more modern filmmakers have not appropriated it. I guess it is not that obscure because the song does make an appearance in some Greatest Hits compilations.
- DirectorBernardo BertolucciStarsUgo TognazziAnouk AiméeLaura MoranteAn Italian businessman decides whether to pay a ransom for his abducted son or not.One of the tracks from the Bertolluci movie makes an appearance in a Greatest Hits compilation. But I guess it is not that well known. I recommend it. There are many variations of the famous tune.
- DirectorHenri VerneuilStarsJean GabinAlain DelonLino VenturaAn ambitious young mobster plans an elaborate diamond heist while seducing the daughter of a ruthless mob patriarch as a determined police commissioner closes in on all of them.The main title theme is so cool. Imagine a bunch of gangsters walking around shooting people with that theme playing. The second track in this album called SNACK BAR has some great sax and is very romantic. Reminded me of the love theme from LE CASSE.
- DirectorGiulio PetroniStarsRaymond PellegrinLionel StanderHugh GriffithGreat playful soundtrack that makes use of a lot of man made noises. Once again, Morricone at his innovative best. Brontolonte is a pleasure to listen to. The title track is wonderfully subversive, starting off with a highly sexual female moaning followed by very seductive music.
- DirectorSergio CorbucciStarsBurt ReynoldsAldo SambrellNicoletta MachiavelliA Native American warrior seeks revenge on the gang of sadistic scalphunters-turned-bank robbers who massacred his tribe.
- DirectorGiuliano MontaldoStarsGian Maria VolontèRiccardo CucciollaCyril CusackIn 1920s Boston, Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti are scrutinized for their anarchist beliefs while on trial for robbery and murder.