Notes
The Wrath of God (1972) is an western-action-adventure film that has been viewed as everything from a violent drama to a parody of movie conventions. Set in an unnamed Latin American country of the 1920s, the film was written and directed by Ralph Nelson (Lilies of the Field, Once a Thief) and starred Robert Mitchum, Ken Hutchison and Victor Buono as a trio of expatriate Westerners forced to confront a vicious local despot (Frank Langella), costarring Rita Hayworth (in her last role) as Langella's mother. The highlight of the film is Mitchum's portrayal of what is surely the best-armed priest in movie history.
Scoring The Wrath of God was a man not only at the top of the film-scoring profession, but a prominent Latin recording artist: Lalo Schifrin. Schifrin provided a terrific soundtrack in the traditions of his western and action efforts of the time (such as Clint Eastwood's Joe Kidd), with a distinctive Latin flavor as well as orchestral elements ranging from the avant garde to contemporary rock (perhaps evoking spaghetti westerns and their anachronisms). The film's offbeat nature made a strong musical voice not only possible, but essential.
Highlights of the soundtrack include a tender love theme performed by flute, several Latin-flavored source cues in the classic Schifrin style, and sizzling, propulsive action music, particularly for a chase involving horses and a car. What 100 Rifles is to Jerry Goldsmith's canon, so is The Wrath of God to Schifrin's - brassy, South of the border action circa the early 1970s.
This premiere release of The Wrath of God soundtrack is presented in excellent stereo sound, remixed from the original three-track masters. Limited Edition of 3000 Copies.
Packaging & Liner Notes
Standard jewel case. Liner notes (including new comments by the composer) by Jeff Bond and Lukas Kendall.
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