Elfman vs. Zimmer
Both are epic pieces of music, well matched to the movies. Which do you like better? I slightly prefer this score from Danny Elfman to the Hans Zimmer score.
shareI can't separate them. I love them both.
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MovieChat Forums > Batman (1989) Discussion > Elfman vs. Zimmer
Danny Elfman is a great musician and composer but Zimmer is next level IMO. Elfman's scores work great with Tim Burton's movies and for other lighthearted stuff but I feel Zimmer has a bigger outreach.
shareIf we're simply talking about the Bat-films, then Elfman BY FAR. Elfman's score has a theme that you can hum to/enjoy outside the context of the film. Zimmer's score is basically noise/mood music.
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shareI absulutly agree. There are two different ways of composing because of a different way of treatment of the Batman Story. 1989's Movie was more capturing the comic hero atmosphere, the Nolan Movies tried more to put realism into the context (portraying the Gangsters as terrorists because of a distinct Zeitgeist in the 2000s).
You clearly identify Batman with the Yellow-Black-Logo of the 1989 Movies and the 1989 Theme by Elfman though.
But Elfman's score should not be reduced to the Theme. There are some really nice sub-themes in the score as well like the Batmobile Theme, The Joker-Waltz, etc. It is a real joy to listen to now and then. I can't say that for the Zimmer-Score.
I agree with you. I like the Nolan Batman films but the music in them is just not as memorable as the music by Danny Elfman.
shareelfman score = unique and embodyment of batmans aura and presents and heroism. it add much to atmosphere of film.
zimmer score = same score you hear in 2 million other crap movie hahahahahahahaha. it add nothing to film!
I love Zimmer's Gladiator and Last Samurai scores, and they do add immeasurably to those movies!
Zimmer's a brilliant composer, and the score, along with Russell Crowe, are, by far, the best parts of Gladiator, but if we're just talking about their respective Batman scores, then it's got to be Elfman.
That said, I do like Zimmer's score for Man of Steel. I woundn't say it's as great as John Williams' Superman score, but it's not far off, and full marks for doing something fresh, and writing a new melody for the character.
Elfman and it's not even close. I honestly can't even remember the score in the Nolan films. Elfman's score is next level.
shareFor Batman? Elfman. Zimmer's a crazy-talented composer, but his music for The Dark Knight Trilogy is more about buoying up the scenes. It's almost subliminal. That's cool, but Elfman not only augments the scenes - as any dynamite film score will - he also creates a far more interesting and iconic (a bit of an overused word, but I'll go with it) piece of music. I have yet to hear a piece of music that sounds more "like Batman".
shareWhere's Elliot Goldenthal, who composed the music for the two Joel Schumacher directed Batman movies?
shareElliot Goldenthal's Bat-score is definitely underrated, and would be better regarded if it was applied to better films, and wasn't coming directly after Elfman's iconic Bat-score, but Elfman still wins overall.
Interestingly enough, Hans Zimmer is a fan of Goldenthal's score.
I didnt much like those Batman movies and barely remember them. My apologies to Mr. Goldenthal.
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