Daniel Lopatin - Uncut Gems (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Album Review)

 


Daniel Lopatin - Uncut Gems (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

(2019)


My copy: 2019 press by Warp Records.


Following their success with 2017’s Good Time, Josh and Benny Safdie would release the much more divisive Uncut Gems just two years later. Like their prior feature film, Uncut Gems is an anxious thriller; and one that owes a number of its blood-pressure-spiking moments to Adam Sandler’s vivid performance as gambling addict Howard Ratner. Stellar performances aside, the Safdie brothers’ decision to bring back Daniel Lopatin to pen the score only heightens the distinctly engaging pressure that lingers through the entirety of the film. The Uncut Gems soundtrack is credited to Lopatin’s given name instead of his Oneohtrix Point Never alias, perhaps foreshadowing a more personal sense of investment from the artist. 

We are introduced to the bustling, chaotic world of Howard “Howie” Ratner through “The Ballad Of Howie Bling,” a euphoric and grand piece made up of vocal synth chants that not only reflect the nonstop work ethic of our main character, but also the enamoring nature of NYC’s unyielding movement. The psychedelic influence relayed by the soundtrack also compliments the film’s titular mcguffin; an exotic opal with a mystical sense that basketball player Kevin Garnett (playing himself) fixates on throughout the film.  “Pure Elation” is soothing and serene with flute and saxophone, giving a glimpse into Howard’s momentary ecstasy as everything he has schemed for temporarily aligns. “Followed” hints at trouble before the darkness is shooed away when “The Bet Hits” revives Howard’s optimism. “High Life” reprises the elevated serenity of “Pure Elation” before things slowly unravel with “No Vacation.” Similar to Good Time, short passages of dialog are used to introduce some tracks, furthering the immersion of the soundtrack. 

“School Play” is most reminiscent of the heart-pounding tempos featured in Good Time even though most of Uncut Gems involves meticulous, psychological struggles. Here, Howard attempts to escape his primary antagonist, who only allows him to live because of their complex relationship. The track crescendos with furious synth loops, catching its breath only in the last few moments. The dizzying progression and whimsical chanting of “Fuck You Howard” cap off a tense quarrel with a mistress while “Smoothie” precedes the birth of a new scheme that fails miserably, as communicated by the destitute and bitter “Fountain.” The flow of the film relies on a very deliberate back and forth, from Howard’s short-lived victories, to his inevitable punishments - which is beautifully aided by the soundtrack through vibrant highs and frightening lows, mimicking the mental struggle of a gambling addict.

With “Powerade” and “Windows,” Howard hatches one final plot to solve all of his problems. With his gun-toting mobster assailants trapped between the security doors of his jewelry store, Howard’s mistress embarks on an adventure to make one final bet on his behalf. The final act is accompanied by perhaps the best track yet in “Mohegan Suite’s” quizzical and dramatic melodies. There is an uplifting sense to the final set of scenes, creating a nail-biting situation in which one can’t help but assume everything will work out for Howard in spite of his many reprehensible actions. As with Good Time the Safdie brothers prove their ability to craft deeply complicated characters, essentially creating an “anti-hero” (a main character who is compelling despite their often villainous motivations).

The final moments of Uncut Gems are its most controversial, though the mood is unequivocally heightened by the final release that is Lopatin’s “Uncut Gems.” One last shimmering ride through the vexing human psyche as the audience likely sighs and attempts to gather their emotions. Some despise the ending to this film - I happen to find it strangely cathartic, but perhaps that’s because I’ve spent too much time listening to Lopatin’s fittingly busy and dazzling soundtrack.

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