The Painted Veil [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

The music makes the movie linger and the movie is even better than the book. Too bad the CD does not include the children's A La Claire Fontaine sung near the end of the movie. It has been in my head for days. How could they leave that off? I would have bought the CD just for that little haunting song.

Yes, it was certainly a disappointment that 'A la claire fontaine' was not included on this soundtrack. Still, the CD showcases Alexandre Desplat's beautiful and creative score. It is so subtle, surreal, and lush. I listen to it anytime I am writing or going to sleep. Lang Lang is a brilliant pianist and his rendition of Erik Satie's first Gnossienne is marvelous. Funny thing is, I also thought that the movie was better than the book. It's a shame that it wasn't made very public. It seems like a select group of little theatres played it and then it was gone. I thought that it would certainly have scored several nominations (although it did win the Golden Globe for best score). I highly recommend this exquisite, elaborate collection of music.

I think this is a beautiful score. The music is full, complex and evocative. It may not be loud and boastful, but that was not the character of the movie. There are some asian instruments used, which provide a nice accent. I'd recommend this to someone looking for instrumental music which doesn't sound like the same classics over and over.