The Score Is Settled on T4 Music: Marco or Elfman?
Elfman Says He "Just Started Yesterday!"

Reported By: Randy Jennings
Friday, January 9, 2009

For the past two months, I've been trying to get "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" composer, Marco Beltrami, attached to "Terminator Salvation." Considering McG is using a few other alumni Terminator crew members, like editor Conrad Buff and the late Stan Winston, I'd naturally also like to see T3's composer make a big return. However, McG went a different direction and perhaps a decision to make me equally as happy.

Danny Elfman, Perhaps my alltime favorite music composer, has given MTV News the exclusive that he is officially attached. Now most likely T4 actress Helena Bonham Carter, spoke with her husband Tim Burton about having his composer friend score her film. Burton and Elfman practically team up on every film they do so it's not a big surprise that McG was able to easily approach this composer of such great scores like Burton's Batman films, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, the Spiderman films and The Simpsons.

Back in November, I first asked Marco Beltrami if he was interested in scoring "Terminator Salvation" or if he knew who had already gotten the job.

Marco: "Thanks, Randy. Honestly I don't know. But now that you mention it, I'm going to find out because I remember talking to the studio about it quite a while ago."

Shortly after, Marco's agent contacted me informing me that Marco would love to work on T4 so I came up with the plan to write WB to help push the filmmakers toward signing such a talented, original crew member.. I wrote the appropriate contact a lengthy letter to express the fan support behind Betrami.

Marco's agent: "I think the idea is that he was a great translator from T2 to T3 and could transform the film again in its 4th incarnation- staying true to the strengths of the past scores but giving new, original life to this new take on the series."

However, my letter probably was received too late and inside talks between McG and Elfman were already ignited. It's a little dissapointing that Marco is not attached, however, I am equally as excited with McG's choice of Danny Elfman. Elfman can certainly bring "Salvation" a new touch of a of whimsically dark future. Salavtion just keeps getting better and better.

Marco was kind enough to sign my T3 soundtrack. Speaking of signed soundtracks, don't forget to enter our contest right now for your chance to win a "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" CD! TheArnoldFans.com has 5 of these signed soundtracks for lucky winners. Enter HERE!

TAF: Marco, can we get a comment from you on how you feel about Danny Elfman getting the job?

Marco Beltrami: "I guess he's a real fan of sloppy seconds!"

There you have it. A TheArnoldFans.com exclusive from Marco on is true feelings toward the matter. Not to mention that it may have been the most classic quote of all times. Now I'm a big fan of both of these composers, but can you blame Marco for having a moment of outrage? Not only was he hopeful to work on "Terminator Salvation" but this is at least the second time Danny Elfman stole his work. Marco Beltrami did a fantastic job on both Terminator 3 and Hellboy, but Elfman came along and took over on both projects.

We're not really sure who began this war of composers? Is it also possible that Elfman has been talking trash about Marco by saying that he "improved the Hellboy soundtrack"? We're not sure, but this rivalry is certainly interesting. Marco Beltrami, composer of such scores as 3:10 to Yama, I Robot, Terminator 3, Resident Evil and Die Hard 4 is certainly keeping busy. His next picture is "Knowing" with Nicholas Cage.

Beltrami, taking over Terminator 3, can not be accused of "sloppy seconds" because Brad Fiedel was already in retirement. He didn't step on anyone's toes. Still, I believe Elfman can also do a great job. Sloppy seconds or not, I'm looking forward to hearing Elfman's new take and after the film comes out, only then can we settle who was the better composer for a Terminator film.

This just in from MTV News:

EXCLUSIVE: Danny Elfman To Score ‘Terminator Salvation’

Cast your expectations aside for the score to May’s “Terminator Salvation.” Danny Elfman has confirmed exclusively for MTV News that he will be composing the music for McG’s new post-nuclear-holocaust Terminator installment of the blockbuster franchise.
“I just started yesterday,” Elfman told MTV News from the red carpet of the Critics’ Choice Awards. The Academy Award nominated composer from films like “Good Will Hunting,” “The Corpse Bride” and “Batman” indicated that the original “Terminator” theme by composer Brad Fiedel was not in use yet; nor is there mandate to incorporate the classic symphonic hook. He did, however, leave the door open for its appearance.

“I think if it comes up and it seems appropriate, we will [use it],” Elman said. “And if it doesn’t, we [won't]. I never really know what to expect when I begin other than just kind of get into it and have fun. Especially a movie like “T4” – just have fun. So that’s what I intend to do.”

Last month we brought you exclusive word that the “Salvation” soundtrack will also include a track by the film’s star, hip-hop artist Common. The rapper plays the role of Barnes, a freedom fighter who battles Skynet alongside John Connors.
Elfman has the magic touch when it comes showcasing the monumentally bizarre and violently solemn moments on screen in his music. Right now, it’s obvious “Terminator: Salvation” will be breaking out the big sound guns for its score. And the sentiment was definitely echoed in Elfman’s response to the screening he recently saw.

If you haven't already read our T3 interview with Marco, click HERE!

TheArnoldFans: Are you a Terminator fan? How badly did you want to do T3?

Marco: Yes, I loved the first two movies so I was totally psyched... That’s why I didn’t want to get too excited about it. Because I’m such a huge fan of the Terminator movies.

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TheArnoldFans Staff