F/X: Underrated 80s Score & My Wild Theory About It

Alright soundtrack aficionados, HughesReviews here. Been revisiting "F/X" (1986) lately, and man, it's stuck with me. The movie itself is a fun, twisty thriller – James Cameron (not that James Cameron) directed it, about a special effects guy, Rollie Tyler, who gets double-crossed after faking a mob boss's assassination. But it's the score that really elevates it. Bill Conti did it, and it's a fantastic blend of suspense, action, and this almost… melancholy feeling that runs underneath the surface. The main theme is a banger, especially when things start going sideways for Rollie. Okay, here's my theory, and it's a bit out there, but hear me out: I think the score heavily hints at Rollie's internal struggle with the morality of what he's doing. See, he's just a special effects guy, right? He creates illusions. But suddenly he's involved in something with real-world consequences, something that affects real people. Even before the double-cross, there's a sense he's not entirely comfortable playing God, even if it is just faking a murder. The music, particularly in the scenes where he's planning and executing the fake assassination, has this undercurrent of unease, like Conti is subtly telling us Rollie's conscience is eating at him. Think about the scene where Rollie is setting up the graveyard. The visuals are cool, setting up all the mirrors and gadgets, but Conti's score is almost mournful. It's like the music is reflecting the true gravity of fooling people into thinking someone died; a real funeral. The score goes into full action when he realizes he's been set up by the agency. And there are so many other great scenes that are enhanced by the score, like Rollie turning the tables on some cops and using his special effects to trick them. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but to me, the score isn't just background music; it's a crucial part of the storytelling, revealing aspects of Rollie's character that might not be immediately apparent. Anyone else pick up on this? I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Also, minor typo in the brief, he uses his effects to trap the cops. Not the gangster :)