The Fly (1986) – soundtrack review
It’s Halloween! Time to talk some horror (finally). The Fly (1986) is one of my favourite movies and I’ve already reviewed the film (here) so now it’s time to review the soundtrack, which is scored (unsurprisingly) by Howard Shore. It’s unsurprising because Shore has composed the music for most of David Cronenberg’s movies (in case you wondered. He also did the famous Lord of the Rings score and has worked with Scorsese a fair a few times, certainly a notable and established composer.
And I was very lucky to get his score of The Fly on CD, which didn’t cost a lot and amazingly is an original distribution from 1986. Apart from slight small damage to the plastic case, the disc itself is in really good condition, I can only imagine it’s sat somewhere safe, not played for years.
It’s a very dramatic, 80s-kinda-science-fiction-sounding-at-times soundtrack which is my favourite kind (love a drama filled score!) and made even more powerful by being performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
There’s twenty-three tracks on the CD and they aren’t in the order of how they’re played in the film. I suppose this has been done strategically to make the most of what really, is an amazing classical performance. Incidentally it was recently made i
n to an opera, also composed by Shore. Apparently the music is completely different (and unrelated?) to this soundtrack but it’s understandable why and how, such a story could be told in an operatic way. Because the thing about The Fly is that it’s tragic and heartbreaking – as well as shit yourself scary and waaaaay fucking gross.
The love story between Seth and Veronica – Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis who were actually an item at the time – is a big part of the film. It does make for the perfect basis of a classic opera – the tragic love story between the beautiful woman and the deformed, damned Brundlefly. Similarly the soundtrack, which compliments this story perfectly. It sounds quite harrowing, even a little sad in places. Take track 3 The Last Visit (told you they weren’t in order) where Seth warns Veronica to stay away – it’s an emotional piece of music.
“I’ll hurt you if you stay.”
And then the stuff like track 8 The Jump – is extremely thrilling and rather scary sounding. Just as the film is a mix of superb, disgusting horror and actual emosh story lines (sob), so is its soundtrack counterpart. And there’s still tracks that are what I’d call more ‘typical of the time’ and the genre – and I suppose even the director himself. Track 9 Seth and the Fly has a mysterious sound to it and has more of a typical ’80s horror’ type of feel, with a science fiction-esque edge which isn’t necessarily present everywhere else in the film.
But the most notable track – and the one you’re most likely to recognise – is track 3 Plasma Pool. Though variations do play at other points in the movie, this is the original version. Not only is it arguably the best score from the film, but it also plays at a pinnacle point in the story, where it’s basically confirmed to us the viewers (and poor old Ronnie), that something is definitely very, very wrong with Seth.
There had been subtle changes since he drunkenly fused himself with a fly in his homemade teleportation device (that old chestnut), but at this point in the film he really scares Veronica with his behaviour and this fantastic piece of music builds up around him breaking into a strong crescendo.
It’s where he does his big ‘plasma pool’ speech (hence the name of the track) and just before he goes out in a leather jacket and no shirt – which even the gorgeous Goldblum can’t pull off. And we all know how this scene ends.
Viewer discretion advised (and remember it’s not real).
emmakwall (explains it all) 
Haven’t seen this on in quite a while and do not remember the soundtrack whatsoever. Time for another watch I think.
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Definitely! Or just look up the tracks on youtube, so good!! 🙂
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The fly was one creepy movie. I don’t know if I want to hear the soundtrack lol
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I love when you do these soundtrack reviews Emma.
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Thanks so much Vinnie 🙂
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Anytime sister.
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haven’t heard this score in years!
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It’s fantastic!
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Haven’t yet finished this film, but it’s pretty great from what I have seen. Great music, too, love Howard Shore.
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You’ll love it Jake! Watch it soon, for Halloween?
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Alright, I’ll do it.
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I think I’ve seen another comment somewhere saying this happened? 🙂 I’m heading over!
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Have you seen the original with Vincent Price? Can’t say it has much of a soundtrack, but it was classic horror.
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I never have, I must do one day!
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Oh God! I wish I hadn’t looked at that gif! I haven’t watched this movie in eons and I’d forgotten that scene.😕 I think I’m going to rewatch it next weekend Ems, and listen to the music more!
#besties
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Sorry Kims!! I did think it was a bit much putting it in, but I couldn’t resist….! I hope you’re feeling ok now my friend. This movie definitely deserves a re-watch 🙂 can’t believe it was a year ago we did our joint The Others post!! 😀 xoxox
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It’s a perfect Halloween horror scene! 🎃🎃🎃🎃xoxo
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Added to the list of movies I’ll watch next weekend. Along with the The Omen, one of my favourites. Speaking of which, I saw the Damien TV series…had something interesting going on but inevitably wastes the source material
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You describe soundtracks so well
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Agreed. You should do more articles like this.
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Aww, thank you!! 🙂
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I am always amazed how well you recall soundtracks, Em
I just played your examples, and still don’t associate them with that film.
So pleased that you get so much from these film scores, honey.
As ever, Pete. XXX+xx
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