Free Music Friday: John Ottman

John Ottman is both a film editor and composer (and one-time director); it was a daunting task when he stepped up to do both for X-Men 2.

Musically following the late Michael Kamen (who scored the first X-Men), John Ottman's score is more dynamic and better fleshed-out Kamen's. Kamen's main theme survives in this film, however in a much more exciting and vibrant arrangement.

John Ottman's web site (click post title for link) has many samples of his work that can be downloaded, but the real gem here is an unreleased track from X2: X-Men United called "The White House Attack" which is taken from the opening scene where a drugged Nightcrawler tries to assassinate the president.

Not the greatest quality (60 kbps VBR), it is a high-energy action piece with fantastic choral work; it's any wonder why this cue didn't end up on the soundtrack album.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this track and/or Ottman's music in general. And if you're in the mood for an atmospheric noir score, check out his music for The Usual Suspects, my personal favorite by John Ottman.

I have some exciting things lined up for Soundtrek in '06 so see you then and have a happy New Year!