Determining the worst movie soundtrack of all time is a subjective task that varies from person to person. However, one film that consistently appears on lists of the worst movie soundtracks is “Battlefield Earth” (2000), directed by Roger Christian and based on a novel by L. Ron Hubbard.
The soundtrack for “Battlefield Earth” was composed by Elia Cmiral, a Czech composer known for his work in horror and thriller films. While Cmiral is a skilled composer, the soundtrack for “Battlefield Earth” received harsh criticism for its lack of cohesion and repetitive nature.
The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral pieces, electronic music, and rock songs. While this blend of genres can work in some films, in “Battlefield Earth,” the various musical styles do not mesh well together. The result is a disjointed and confusing listening experience.
One of the most significant criticisms of the soundtrack is its overreliance on a single motif. The “Battlefield Earth” theme is played repeatedly throughout the film, often in variations that are barely distinguishable from one another. This lack of variety in the music becomes grating, and by the end of the film, it feels like the same piece of music has been playing for hours.
In addition to the repetitive nature of the soundtrack, some of the songs themselves are poorly executed. The inclusion of a rock song by the band Limp Bizkit feels out of place and jarring in the context of the film. The lyrics are also a source of criticism, with some reviewers calling them “cheesy” and “cringe-worthy.”
Overall, the soundtrack for “Battlefield Earth” is a disappointing and disjointed collection of music that detracts from the viewing experience of an already poorly received film. While Elia Cmiral is a talented composer, the soundtrack for this film falls short of his usual standard.
Sources:
- “The Worst Movie Soundtracks of All Time” by William Bibbiani, 2018, https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/worst-movie-soundtracks-of-all-time
- “Battlefield Earth” soundtrack review by James Southall, 2000, https://www.movie-wave.net/battlefield-earth/