Star Trek: Insurrection

It all began 20 years ago, in 1979. Jerry Goldsmith was hired to compose the score to Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the theatrical adaptation of the cult television show of the same name. The theme he wrote for that score was so memorable that it would be used in another television show 8 years laters, and be reprised in 3 more films. The latest of those films, Star Trek: Insurrection finds the crew of the Enterprise-E facing potential treason as they go against the orders of the Federation to help a community of people facing annihilation (or relocation).

As he did two years ago with Star Trek: First Contact, Jerry Goldsmith knew what was needed for this film. Not as heavy on the action, but heavy on the personal relationships between the characters, Insurrection needed a score which was more emotional than brash, and it more or less succeeded.

The main Insurrection theme is featured in the first track, "Ba'ku Village". It felt like a mix of Forrest Gump and Rudy, with some moments being almost a bit too saccharine for my tastes: the use of piano, harp, and woodwinds underscored with strings seemed almost a tad cliché. There are some sentimental - almost romantic - moments in the score highlighting Captain Picard's budding (but never fully blooming) relationship with Anij, the female leader of the Ba'ku.

I feel the action music is where the score's true strength lies, and it is vintage Goldsmith, circa 1998. The pounding bass, brass hits, synth elements and horn theme found in "The Drones Attack" clearly exemplifies what I am referring to. This is music you get hooked on - your blood starts racing, and you can almost see the scene in your head. If you're actually watching the film and hearing the music, it takes the scene to the next level.

As prior experience goes, the score is just your average Goldsmith Star Trek score - that is to say, it is excellent. One has to wonder how long Goldsmith will continue to work on the Star Trek films, and if he does decide to leave, if they will realize that it was Goldsmith that helped contribute to the Star Trek phenomenon more than anyone realizes. If you haven't already, definitely pick up Star Trek: Insurrection, and then go get the 20th Anniversary Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Put them in your CD player, close your eyes, and enjoy.