Relativity Music Group released The Iceman – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally on May 21, 2013. The album features original music by Israeli composer Haim Mazar, whose score was called an "invaluable contribution" by Hollywood Reporter.
The score had to capture the two aspects of "The Iceman's" point of view—that of the cold-blooded killer and that of the family man. Mazar described, "On one hand there was the grim, dirty, dangerous crime life: musically represented by a thick hybrid of pulsating electronics and orchestral effects that could burst and become violent at any moment. On the other hand the score needed to reflect his family life, Ariel [Vromen, director/co-writer] wanted to play with mostly strings and piano."
Mazar found two scenes were key. He said, "The first was the scene when Richard (Michael Shannon) and Deborah (Winona Ryder) have their first date, which was great for musically setting the family tone and the tone of their relationship. I also established a theme that was later used as their relationship progressed throughout the years. The second scene I scored was the scene when Roy Demeo (Ray Liotta) threatens Richard in the car outside of his home. Energy-wise that scene felt very tense, and I figured that if I could get the right tone for that scene, it would help me set the tone for the rest of the mob scenes."
After moving to Los Angeles in 2008, Haim Mazar worked extensively with world-renowned film composer John Frizzell with whom he co-produced and orchestrated the epic score for Screen Gem's film Legion. Mazar also worked as an orchestrator, music programmer and pianist for other titles including Shelter, The Roommate, and the hit TV show The Office.
Born in the US and raised in Israel, Mazar discovered music at the age of 5, getting extensive classical piano training at the Givataim music conservatory near Tel Aviv, from which he graduated with honors. While working and touring with Israel's top artists as a session keyboardist and musical director, Mazar continued his musical education at the Katzanelson high school music program and the Rimon School of Music. In 2005, he relocated to Boston to study at the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he earned his BA in Film Scoring and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Mazar worked as a composer, conductor, arranger and pianist, performing with artists such as Christopher Guest, Gloria Estefan, Jeffery Osborn and The Edge. Currently Mazar composes the music for MTV's hit reality show Teen Mom.
Inspired by actual events, The Iceman follows notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski (Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon) from his early days in the mob until his arrest for the murder of more than 100 men. Appearing to be living the American dream as a devoted husband and father; in reality Kuklinski was a ruthless killer-for-hire. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters had any clue about his real profession.
Co-starring Academy Award nominee Winona Ryder (Black Swan) and Chris Evans (Avengers, Captain America), The Iceman is directed by Ariel Vromen (Danika) from a script he wrote with Morgan Land (Rx). Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), David Schwimmer (Friends), Robert Davi (Profiler) and Danny Abeckaser (Alpha Dog) round out the cast. The film features cameo appearances by Stephen Dorff (Public Enemies) and James Franco (127 Hours).