I am the only one that thought that Joan Armatrading was off key and sounded horrible on her rendition of the theme song?
shareI did not realize a woman was singing it. I thought they had imported some wild geese and choked them half to death on the main chorus.
shareI guess all you music virtuosos never listen to Lou Reed or Bob Dylan...
Lol, exactly!!
shareIt was just dated. Typical 70s style. Would have been better with a good old Ron Goodwin score or Maurice Jarre. We all remember classic themes like Where Eagles Dare and 633 Squadron but that title track was instantly forgettable and very cheesy.
shareActually, the Roy Budd score, while having some of his trademark "crime-jazz" overtones... occasionally, is quite symphonic and much in the Ron Goodwin mold.
I almost forgot that awful song because, while I often listen to the score, I have edited out the cues that grate.
Someone complained that the score was inappropriate at times, citing the cyanide gas sequence. I would disagree. While the style at that point is reminiscent of a Lalo Schifrin Mission Impossible score crossed with Ron Goodwin; I would say that the music is reflecting the feelings of the keyed up mercenaries who are not at that point considering how appalling their actions might seem to us.
Lou Reed and Bob Dylan are both overrated.
I get them, but I would rather listen to other things.
I thought the whole music sound-track was terrible, in fact it almost spoiled a good film.
shareLoved the title track and thought Roy Budd score was good although not particularly memorable, certainly didn't spoil the movie - absolute classic from a different time when acting legends still existed.
shareOne of the best war movies - certainly in my top ten - not quite a Cross Of Iron or Company 9 but its up there with the best and the theme tune was awesome - Joanne never sang in tune that was her edge!!
All star cast i cant think of a movie that had as many fine actors - even if a few mof them were constantly drunk on set lol Thats what made those actors the characters they were - missing Oliver Reed though - Doctor Proctologist Freddy was the most memorable scenes in the movie "Cmon me lovelies" Hilarious.
Not many war movies can mix war with humour but this one had it all.
This is a really interesting thread regarding the film score. Personally, I really like Roy Budd's score and always have. It is, as someone says, very symphonic at times. And I find Joan Armatrading's theme song mesmerizing; to me it is a haunting classic. It would be of interest - considering the comments regarding the involvement of the racist South African government - how she considered her involvement in such a venture. I make no judgement of Ms Armatrading.
shareConsidering the films plot and filming locations I was always puzzled by Joan Armatrading's involvement. I very much doubt she knew much about the film itself and probably saw it as a chance to write a theme song for a big movie without looking into what it was about.
shareYeah, I get why it was done, but it is sort of out of place.
As just an end theme song, it would have been fine.
At least it is better than the theme for Kelly's Heroes.
Yeah, that was pretty bad.
shareI love the theme and the opening with it’s imagery of apartheid.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ItjBLNChqTE