MovieChat Forums > Legend (1986) Discussion > It´s all about the music! Tangerine vs. ...

It´s all about the music! Tangerine vs. Goldsmith.

posted 15 years ago by pradastreet
62 replies | jump to latest

For the record, according to the production, Legend had two cuts because the movie had rights in more than one producer. And the screening had not been very successful, making R. Scott cut the film and put another score in Berlin to the US. version.
Both cuts of Legend, making almost 2 entirely different movies, had their faults and their highs. The music is probably what made the most controversial discussions about the fans of the movie. It´s a personal thing. Some people, or I believe most people, prefer the Goldsmith classical score. Some not. I´m one of those who thinks that Tangerine Dream added more to the touch of Legend´s wonder. It´s very hard to put in words but it worth a try.
Legend is a hybrid movie. The setting, scenarios and the whole world in Legend looks and feels totally hermetic. I mean, for example Lord of the Rings takes place in some forgotten Europe. I think Legend was suppose to take place in our thoughts, making the narrative more claustrophobic and thick with lots of gritty elements in the art direction really revealing us that we are inside of a dream. Tangerine Dream´s score, the US. version mind you, captures this hybrid and hermetic feeling more than the classical open-world Goldsmith´s score.
Tangerine Dream music score starts with a celtic flute like an echoed wind in hollow oak, making it´s way in a change of keys in the very beginning of the open titles just as the bear reaches for the beehive, like a low key, almost like the humming of the trees, going a little dark on the felling of the score for a bit, showing the orions that the magical forest has also survival elements. Later, we hear a four-stroke key every time the goblins appear, vaguely sounds like the J.F. Sebastian´s apartment in Blade Runner, when surrounded by various android-goblins.
That´s just a couple of artistic elements that we can see in Tangerine Dream´s bold and free-thinking score. To capture the obscurity and hermetic feel of Legend. Making a more significant signature, Tangerine Dream used a more mystic feel, like it´s not meant to be music at all.
And the whole score was made in 4 weeks no less.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] H_Spengler 13 years ago

put my votein for Goldsmith's it was much better

"Can't fix the car without a whole lotta milka"

[–] Hollowshape 13 years ago

Elmer Bernstein's score to The Black Cauldron would fit this movie....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvPHWDQyUmA

[–] Flight_of_Fantasy 13 years ago

I'm going to have to go with Tangerine Dream. I love both scores (in fact, I have both soundtracks on CD), but Tangerine Dream's really fits the otherwordliness of the film better. Goldsmith's score is gorgeous, to be sure, but it does feel like your standard fantasy score. Nothing wrong with that, fantasy is my favorite genre and I love orchestral scores, but what struck me about Tangerine Dream's score was how different and magical and slightly weird it was, just like the movie. Otherworldly. I know I said that before, but it truly is the best word for it.

And for those who are saying that those of us who prefer the TD score only do so because we're American and that's the version we grew up with, I saw the European version with the Goldsmith score BEFORE the American version with TD's score. Well, okay, I saw the American version once when I was really little, but I only remembered bits and pieces of it; I didn't even remember its name, only that it scared the *beep* out of me. I rediscovered it when I was a teenager and watched (and loved) the European version. I didn't even know there was a different version till I heard people on these boards going on about "Loved by the Sun," and was like "Huh? What is this 'Loved by the Sun'?" I then received the Ultimate Edition DVD for Christmas and watched the American version, and thought both the movie and score were better than the European version (although there are some parts in which the European/Goldsmith version is better).

Anyway, my point is that it's not necessarily about preferring the version you grew up with (though that is entirely natural); a lot of us just think Tangerine Dream's score is better than Jerry Goldsmith's, and better suits the film.

"He's already attracted to her. Time and monotony will do the rest."

[–] ShatteredDreamz13 13 years ago

Tangerine Dream's score of Legend is one of my favorite scores of any movie ever.

That being said I still haven't watched the Director's Cut with Goldsmith's score yet.

[–] ShatteredDreamz13 12 years ago

Finally watched the Director's Cut tonight. I think the added/extended scenes flesh out the characters more and make the film better, however, I was underwhelmed by the score.

I really wish there was a version with Tangerine Dream scoring the longer version of the film.

[–] GeneticSugarKane 13 years ago

I do like portions of Tangerine Dreams music on its own. The actual US Theatrical Cut of the film is a travesty next to Scott's version though. So I'll never be hearing Tangerine Dream's music within the context of the film again. The US version (with its hatchet job editing and pounding synth) turns the movie into an 80's music video.

The Goldsmith score isn't one of the best I've heard but its minimalism suits the film nicely. There are moments where the music is exceptionally quiet allowing the film to breath... where in the US cut Tangerine Dream is beating you over the head with synthesizers.

The Director's Cut married with Goldsmith's music is near perfection, imo. (And I grew up with the US cut!)

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Genocide_x 13 years ago

I grew up with the Tangerine Dream version on t.v (in the UK) I had no idea to the Goldsmith version existing until i bought the DVD early in abut 2003.
Have to say Goldsmith's score didn't sit right with me, he is a genuinely awesome composer but TD's score and that cut of the film (inc. black night Darkness at opening) is the one i know and love...and i can't find a damn copy of it on region 2

[–] meccie13 13 years ago

I always preferred Tangerine Dreams score, I felt like it told the scenes, gave it more of a dramatic feel. And their sound fit that fantasy world and I agree with your description for both scores.

[–] ezkaban 13 years ago

I've flip-flopped over which version I prefer but I've come to the conclusion I prefer TD's version. But I can't seem to find the single to purchase. I really want it. Does anyone know where I can find it? Itunes and Amazon are selling the instrumental version and yet I want the sung version.

[–] TheSolarSailor 13 years ago

Why not just get the Ultimate Edition that has both versions on it. It's only $10 on amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Ultimate-Edition-Tom-Cruise/dp/B000063UR2 /ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1335391099&sr=1-1.

- - - - - - -
Whose idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have an "S" in it?

[–] ezkaban 13 years ago

Oh thanks, I do own this already. What I want is the actual song that plays towards the end. Other than As The World Falls Down from Labyrinth, this is my favorite song from an 80s film.

[–] lockon_stratos 13 years ago

Legend if one of my favorite movies of all time and the version with TD is the only one I will consider. I did when I was a 5 when it came out and even now. Just thought I add another one for TD.

---

[–] beierfilms 13 years ago

I saw the director's cut with the Goldsmith score first. I only just now looked up the Tangerine Dream score and watched the TC.

As much as I love Jerry Goldsmith's work, I actually think I'm with the American crowd who prefer's the TD stuff (though sometimes my preference shifts depending on the scene). The problem with Goldsmith's score is that it feels amazingly by the book and generic. This is especially problematic because my biggest issue with Legend is that story itself is so generic.

I agree with the other people that the TD score really gives some of the scenes and otherworldly feel that really helps the film.

[–] lockon_stratos 12 years ago

Although I am starting to like Lily's song very much from Jerry Goldsmith and DC version. It's great to have both versions full of music. What a movie from a great decade.

---

[–] zachtheman 12 years ago

I prefer Goldsmith's score personally but some parts i dont like for example the dance scene i like the tangerine dream music in this scene better i also like the way the scene is cut inn the shorter cut but other than that goldsmith and the longer cut is better in every other way imo

you will have to forgive the lack of full stops lack of proper spelling im dyslexic but not stupid

[–] ebossert 12 years ago

I thought the Goldsmith score was kinda dull and generic. The Tangerine Dream score has a more powerful otherworldly feel, which I think works best for this particular film. You can tell within the opening 5 minutes which one is better.

Asian Film List
http://www.imdb.com/user/ur10058980/boards/profile/

[–] Sevi_Lwa 12 years ago

I'm with, ebossert. Having first seen the uncut version on Film 4 tonight on Sky TV, honestly did not know there were two versions. I've always seen the regular with Tangerine Dream. I used to watch this endlessly during the mid 90's.

Tangerine Dream is where the power of the film/score is. It creates that feel for the power of good and hope. Like a motivating feeling from confidence. As if you can fly and reach for the sky. I always loved the glorious ending from Tangerine Dream.

I was so shocked from the lack of soundtrack throughout the film. It just felt like every average fantasy film that had trolls/magic. Even the scene for the build up to the black dress was dire. It felt like a very creepy remix of Danny Elfman's music.

Tangerine Dream will always be Legend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWuToQn9VH4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbDb8yITvhI

[–] lockon_stratos 12 years ago

We have to take in consideration that they are almost two different movie. One is the director's cut with the Goldsmith scores. The other is the theatrical cut with Tangerine Dream. Music is a very important part of a movie and I felt differently for each movie that had different endings. Of course that's the case with most movies with different endings as well. They throw them all on the DVD. Not sure about all the different scores. Legend is a special one.

---

[–] A_Fistful_of_Pennies 12 years ago

Goldsmith's score is very competent, but pretty boring and unimaginative. For an 80s fantasy film, I like a more unique score. Tangerine dream for me.