Dolphins

Piece Brosnan narrates the IMAX film Dolphins as it educates and entertains us at the same time.  The film follows several tracks simultaneously to show us how dolphins live and travel; how dolphin societies form; how these marine mammals communicate with each other; and how humans adversely affect their health and mortality.  The underwater photography is so vivid and clear that you feel as though you have to hold your breath when watching this film.  Whether you see this film in an IMAX theater or on video/DVD, it is an impressive piece of documentary work.  Dolphins was also the highest-grossing large format documentary of 2000. 

The soundtrack features songs and music by Sting and a score composed by Steve Wood.  Wood combined his original compositions with Sting's to create beautiful music that is a cohesive mix of instruments, styles, and cultures.  While most pieces contain some element of Caribbean percussion or Argentinean tones, the movements themselves vary greatly.  "Sea of Light" takes us on a very emotional journey as we are submerged into the underwater realm of the dolphin.  The piece fluctuates between very uplifting island beats to more dramatic choral and instrumental moments that are almost void of any percussion whatsoever.

Steve Wood has done a very good job of creating a score that causes a person to well up and run with the emotions of the film.  One moment you are celebrating and laughing as dolphins swim around and leap through the air; another moment you are filled with the beauty and majesty of these animals as they swim and glide through the ocean's depths; and in another moment you can feel the sadness and disgust as dolphins are heartlessly murdered by mankind's sheer negligence for the environment.

Dolphins contains one song written for the film by Sting, called "I Need You Like This Hole in My Head".  Also included are "Fill Her Up" and "Ghost Story" from Sting's Grammy-winning Brand New Day.  "Fill Her Up" seems very out of place on the soundtrack and in the movie as it echoes strongly of Country Western influence.  There's just something about the image of Sting in a Stetson hat and a tasseled shirt that I find unsettling.  Other than that, you may also notice cuts of "Englishman in New York", "Straight to My Heart," "Be Still My Beating Heart," and "When We Dance."

Everyone's musical talents come into play with the piece "First Dive". For this musical ensemble Steve Wood and composer Daniel May lend their talent to Sting's "Every Breath You Take".  John Berry also lends his vocal talent to the piece.  The music plays a key role as a "dusky dolphin tango" during one of the films more endearing scenes.

Even if you hate documentaries, dolphins, and environmental issues, the film Dolphins is a breathtaking piece of cinematography that can be appreciated by all.  During the film the score is sometimes faded deep into the background or upstaged by the narration.  Thanks to the modern world of Compact Discs, you can now enjoy this awe-inspiring music without straining your ears and blocking out the educational aspects of the film.