Kim
Film Music Notes: Summer 1951 Vol.X / No.3 / pp. 4-5
Copyright © 1951, by the National Film Music Council. All rights reserved.
André Previn must be congratulated for his masterful handling of the musical problems involved in this picture. Since KIM maintains an authentic atmosphere throughout, with scenes shot on location, and apparently no Hollywood "stock" shots inserted, it would have been entirely out of keeping to have had a "Hollywood" sound track accompanying the action. It is therefore a credit to Mr. Previn to have followed through along with the authenticity of the picture and to have used native music as background. Incidentally, no attempt is made to in any way "dramatize" this music. Rather, the restraint in this direction achieves this "dramatic" effect by contrast.
A native flute theme is used to set the atmosphere of the picture after the "Hollywood" main title. At first, this theme is unaccompanied, but later, native drums and other light percussion instruments are added. This flute theme is used as a leitmotif and is heard many times during the picture. Despite the possible danger of monotony, this theme wears well, since it is a very interesting and ingratiating one. Occasionally, a native oboe is heard in some of the other sequences.
In general, the music is keyed "low" and is heard faintly in the distance, mingled with street cries, but then comes up in the foreground in other spots, so that a good balance is achieved. No other music is heard in the picture except the regimental bugle calls and the military band sequence, - all done very well.
The two "Hollywood" composed sequences by Mr. Previn are excellent in their intelligent incorporation of native music for thematic development. The orchestration is very effective also in its use of Oriental timbres and instrumental colorings.
