When one thinks of the greatest composers ever to score film, one thinks of greats such asToru Takemitsu, Philip Glass, Bernard Herrmann, and even John Williams. The music they composed is memorable, creative, and original. Most essentially, however, their scores heightened the emotion, drama, and suspense of the films of which they were a part, forever altering our perception of the images on the screen, linking them to the music. Can you imagine watching Hitchcock’s famous shower scene in Psycho without Herrmann’s shrieking strings? Clint Mansell has made a similar achievement, and will one day doubtlessly join the aforementioned greats in the cannon of legendary composers for film.

Although Mansell garnered critical acclaim for his prior collaborations with director Darren Aronofsky, it is with The Fountain that he has achieved his greatest work. The Fountain is simply extraordinary, capturing the power and beauty of the film, mirroring its symbolic architecture without becoming derivative or repetitive. Performed by the Kronos Quartet, continuing a relationship begun with Requiem for a Dream, and with some help from Mogwai, this soundtrack augments the film brilliantly. Make no mistake, however, these haunting melodies and powerful arrangements are no less so on their own.

The theme of circularity is present in the score, as in the film, with subtle melodies reoccurring throughout, and the opening and closing tracks beautifully complimenting each other. Like the film, the score also functions as a concentric cryptic, with melodies recurring, mirroring the thematic circularity of the film, culminating with the dramatic climax, releasing both Tom (Hugh Jackman) and the listener. No other release this year that I am aware of maintains the singular unity and cohesion of The Fountain, while remaining so beautiful and dynamic. Essentially one composition in 10 movements, complete with the climactic “Death is the Road to Awe,” and the dénouement of “Together We Will Live Forever,” the music to the Fountain will stay with you long after the film is over or the record has stopped. We can only hope that the remix album is not far behind.

-Joseph Sannicandro