Intrada Soundtrack Forum

I remember noticing Nicholas Hooper's score for a British movie called THE HEART OF ME back in 2003. It was elegant, restrained and melodic.

As a result I was confident he would deliver the goods with HARRY POTTER & THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX. But I must admit - although I really do enjoy quite a few tracks - the score ultimately still leaves me a bit cold. I wouldn't try comparing it to John Williams's superlative score for PRISONER OF AZKABAN, that would be unfair, but I admit I prefer Doyle's score as a whole to Hooper's score. I know quite a few people find GOBLET OF FIRE too bombastic at times, but it has a bit more heart to it. Agreed: the Dumbledore's Army training montage is wonderfully scored, and Hooper also really nails the kissing scene to perfection.

In all fairness, Nick Hooper is fairly new to scoring blockbusters so that I don't want to be too harsh on him. having said so, I eagerly await his score for HALF BLOOD PRINCE: maybe he'll feel more confident in his approach. There are quite a few set pieces towards the end that should provide Hooper ample opportunity to flex his muscles, so to speak.

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Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

As far as dismissing Hooper for not being John Williams, I learned a long time ago, from movies like Conan, Tron, The Dark Crystal and Star Trek II, that "strangers" could write scores which were arguably in league with Williams and other "established favorites".

In my case, I am not a big fan of Patrick Doyle, so I was frankly enthusiastic that he was not scoring Order of the Phoenix, and I was honestly looking forward to Hooper's score.

But Hooper delivered a score which was completely dispassionate and fails to uplift the film. It is little more than white sound in tis dramatic effect. For me, Hooper and cinematographer Swalomir Idziak made Order of the Phoenix the most aesthetically unappealing of all the Potter films thus far.

If Warner Bros. signs Bruce Broughton for the final one, it might be the first movie in the series I actually see! But if Williams wants to be on board for the last one and Warner Bros. wants him on board for the last one... well, who's going to say no? (Even Hooper might understand.)

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"Now I don't wanna kill you and you don't wanna be dead!"

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