The Critic Original Score Album is now available as a digital album on CMA Records.
The Critic was released in the UK and USA on September 13th 2024.
Starring Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Ben Barnes, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai & Lesley Manville
The director Anand Tucker says of the film:
THE CRITIC is an astonishingly contemporary piece of work, speaking directly to our time and condition. Set in the 30’s, a period of similar febrile upheaval and intensity to our present, with old certainties falling away, and the rise of the right and its instinct-based politics triumphing over rationalism and science, it is the story of an outsider trapped in the vice of events bigger than himself. It holds a mirror up to our time now. As a British outsider myself, Indian father, German mother, child of Empire, I connected with Jimmy Erskine’s struggle for survival, for his voice, his identity in the face of monolithic ‘English’ (read white Heterosexual) culture and norms. His story is incredibly dark, surprising and moving. We will find the Dark Light that shines out of this world to shoot in, unexpected and dazzling. Above all we have a wonderful cast – and their performances are the most important element – their faces the ultimate Landscapes.
Armstrong on working on the film:
“Working on The Critic with director Anand Tucker was a wonderful experience. Trying to reflect the period film while using a more contemporary language to show the emotional intensity of the storyline and its characters. I’d like to thank my team in Glasgow and the great musicians of the Budapest Art Orchestra.”
Armstrong’s score is beautiful and intensifying with soaring violin solos from Daniel Pioro, solos from Janey Miller (Oboe), Craig Armstrong – piano and stunning performances from the Budapest Art Orchestra, conducted by Peter Pejtsik.
Mixed by Andy Bradfield and mastered for digital release by Simon Francis Mastering.