Monday, 20 April 2026

Apr 20: Film Soundtracks #5: 'The Killing Fields'

This album was a bold departure from his usual style by Mike Oldfield.

The album was produced for a film made by Roland Joffé in 1984 called "The Killing Fields".

The context for the film was the story of an American reporter who was forced to leave his translator behind during the Khmer Rouge rule over Cambodia and the 'killing fields' of the name.

It was very well received and won a number of awards.

Here's the trailer for the film:


The first time I heard this first track to be released I didn't know what to think... as it turns out, this was one of the most 'listenable' tracks on the soundtrack in its own way as there was a lot of music which needed the imagery to make sense... a sense of urgency and danger and sharp discord.



Engineer, Associated Performer, Studio Personnel, Work Arranger, Arranger, Producer: Mike Oldfield Associated Performer: Morris Pert 
Studio Personnel, Mastering Engineer: Paschal Byrne 
Composer Lyricist: Francisco Tárrega

The score was nominated for a Golden Globe but did not win.

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