Film scores and soundtracks are an integral part of movies. In some, the score heightens suspense by indicating the next time the murderer will kill or the shark attack. The score can also take an audience into a mythical, magical or unknown world. In others, soundtracks realistically create a festive spirit, a sad undertone or raw emotion utilizing lyrics and singers.

In “Seven Pounds,” the latest movie starring Will Smith, the main score of the film is telling of what type of story the audience is seeing: life in action. The dissonance found within that score reflects the very nature of life and dissonance within life, which is full of conflict, agony and disruption – not that life doesn’t have special moments of joy and love. The score by Angelo Milli is a character in the film. It pines for harmony yet splashed throughout is conflict. Such is life, which is not perfect and is harmonious if only for a second.

Main characters in the film, played by Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, feel this discord but long to be together, yearning for someone to love in a world seemingly devoid of love, full of cruelty. Smith’s character is looking for people in the world to whom he can give a gift. The type of gift remains unknown until the end of the film.

In order to describe the plot points for “Seven Pounds,” one must give away too much of the mystery, ruining the film. After seeing the trailer, it is difficult to discern what the movie is ultimately about. However, as an audience sits through the film from the makers of “The Pursuit of Happyness,” it puts together this puzzle piece by piece. Even though, the end can be seen from the beginning, the ultimate image of that puzzle known, nothing is lost. The journey between the end and beginning is what makes this film worthwhile. Complementing the score and story, ultimately enhancing the film, are the actors, particularly Smith and Dawson.

Life is a dichotomy of harmony and conflict and “Seven Pounds” shows audiences just how paradigmatic it can be.

“Seven Pounds” is rated PG-13 and runs 118 minutes.

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 21st, 2008 at 9:01 am and is filed under Arts and Life, Film.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.