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Repossessed (1990) - Underrated Score in a Silly Movie?

Okay, folks, I gotta talk about "Repossessed" (1990). Yes, the Linda Blair parody. I know, I know, it's dumb. REALLY dumb. But has anyone else actually listened to the score? Charles Bernstein did it, and it's surprisingly effective given the absolute goofiness of the movie. We're talking the guy who did "A Nightmare on Elm Street," so he knows how to do creepy and suspenseful. The music in "Repossessed" definitely leans into the comedic aspects, but there are moments, like when Nancy is first showing signs of being possessed again, where the music actually creates some legitimate tension. It's almost like the music is fighting against the movie's silliness, trying to make it a little bit scary. I think what makes the score work so well is that Bernstein doesn't just rely on cheap horror cues. He uses a lot of classic orchestral sounds but twists them in a way that's both unsettling and kind of funny. Think Bernard Herrmann on laughing gas. Seriously, listen to some of the cues during the talk show sequence with Ned Beatty and Leslie Nielsen -- the music is building this sense of impending doom, even though everything on screen is just pure slapstick. It's a weird contrast that somehow works, at least for me. Maybe it's just because I have a soft spot for Bernstein's work, or maybe it's because the score is just so much better than the movie deserves (lol), but I think it's worth checking out. Even if you hate the film, the soundtrack is a fun listen if you're into that quirky, slightly off-kilter horror vibe. I was able to buy the CD on ebay about 10 years ago, and I'm almost sure it's available digitally too. What do you guys think? Am I completely off my rocker, or is there something to be said for the music in this cinematic trainwreck? Also, am I the only one who saw the "Repossessed" talk show scene and thought of how great Howard Shore's score would have been to that scene? I am probably the only one, aren't I?

hughesreviews
5 months ago
2 comments
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