This is my first go at writing a soundtrack review. Lucky for me, this soundtrack was easy listening and held my attention. Salinger is a documentary of the life of J.D. Salinger, the author of The Catcher in the Rye. He was a very private man after the success of his books. The music for the film, composed by Lorne Balfe, reflects that introspection. These songs help to tell the story of his life.
The first two tracks, “Salinger” and “Remembering Salinger”, are soft, almost trance-like melodies. You have some gentle piano playing throughout. These songs are like looking back at the beginning and ending of a life. The songs grow darker in reflection of what was happening in Salinger’s life. “An Estranged Father”, “Tracking Salinger”, and “D-Day” are all dark, orchestral songs. They are heavy on the string instruments. “D-Day” is full of fast drum beats and trumpets, giving attention to Salinger’s service in World War II. This track stood out as it jolted you out of the reverie of the first few songs. “Counter Intelligence” reminded me of music you would hear in a James Bond movie. The low bass strings and fast tempo reflect the secrecy of Salinger’s years in the counter intelligence section of the army. The ending of the song is very peaceful.
The song “Writing Catcher” is like a roller coaster. The song starts off quietly, like a gentle thought. By the end of the song, it’s fast paced and edgy. It’s very much like the writing process itself. To me, it was one of the best songs. “Life of a Recluse” is full of lonely sounding trumpets. I felt pretty down listening to this song. The soundtrack is full of slow and fast, up and down music. It reflects the life of a strange but great novelist. The lives of most great writers are a contrast between light and dark. So, the music for this movie was a great reflection of that.
Track Listing:
- “Salinger”
- “Remembering Salinger”
- “The Bunker”
- “Valley Forge”
- “An Estranged Father”
- “Tracking Salinger”
- “D-Day”
- “Edmondville”
- “Fosburgh”
- “Counter Intelligence”
- “Salinger Returns”
- “Perfect Moments”
- “Writing Catcher”
- “Gasoline Rainbows”
- “Two Families”
- “Selling Catcher”
- “Surveillance”
- “Assassins”
- “Going For It”
- “Meeting JDS”
- “VE-Day”
- “Life of Recluse”
- “Injured and Alone”
- “Liberation of Paris”
- “First Encounter”
- “Leaving Catcher”
- “Long Walks”
- “Nine Stories”
- “Editorial Control”
- “Hurtgen”
- “Correspondence”
- “Helluva Talent”
