CUE ANALYSIS:

16. SUITE 7 08:48

16a. You're fired! 01:02

Scene in which Lex Luthor presents to the arms traffickers his new creation: the Nuclear Man.

Basically it's a new arrangement of the "Nuclear Man's Theme" and it is this cue that I have referred to previously. Nothing more needs be said.

16b. Clark and the green crystal 00:33

Sequence in which we see an aged Clark regaining his powers with the green crystal.

A brief cue composed by Courage that contains several reminisces of the cue "The Fortress of Solitude" and the fanfare from the "Theme from Superman". In spite of its brevity, this cue works as a very good accompaniment for the sequence.

16c. Dawn of the Nuclear Man 00:37

The Nuclear Man awakens and sees the photograph of Lacy on the front page of the Daily Planet.

This cue has the unique curiosity in that it was formed with the combination of the two new themes composed by John for the sequel: "Lacy's Theme" and the "Nuclear Man's Theme". I have thought about both of the previous cues, and my opinion on either one has not changed.

16d. The Nuclear Man attacks again 02:40

The Nuclear Man provokes a large disaster in the streets of Metropolis and is then challenged by Superman.

An apocalyptic arrangement composed by Courage based principally on the "Nuclear Man's Theme". The cue works well in that the disaster that we see on screen is absolutely coherent with the arrangements used to accompany the sequence.

16e. Headed for the Moon 00:51

Superman flies toward the Moon with the Nuclear Man inside the elevator.

Corresponds to a heroic arrangement based on the march from the "Theme from Superman". If we analyze this cue in conjunction with the previous one, I would have to point out that until the scene in which Superman leaves the Nuclear Man on the Moon, the cue really functions well, and I believe that this occurs just because the complete sequence is not altogether extensive and with such a motive the music (particularly referring to the Nuclear Man) is not exhaustive.

16f. Confrontation on the Moon 03:05

The fight between Superman and the Nuclear Man on the Moon.

The cue begins with a ridiculous arrangement of a segment of the "Theme from Superman" (when Superman straightens the American flag) but continues with an intolerable arrangement based on the "Nuclear Man's Theme" that musicalizes an interminable fight between Superman and the Nuclear Man (more like a street fight than a combat between two super-powered beings). Sporadically several chords of the "Theme from Superman" are heard.

An interminable and intolerable cue.

17. SUPERMAN TRIUMPHANT 01:51

Superman finally defeats the Nuclear Man.

The first part of this cue corresponds to a detached arrangement of the fanfare from the "Theme from Superman" with a brief interruption of "Lacy's Theme" (while Superman moves the Moon).

The second part is based principally on the march from the "Theme from Superman" along with several insertions of the fanfare in the same cue. Even in this second part the arrangements are adjusted from the original versions, they do not achieve in giving the sequence the necessary emotion, especially if we consider that it is handled with the scene that ends the film and Superman's triumph.

With respect to this aspect, I have to point out that in the previous films in the series, the arrangements relating to Superman's victorious exploits were much more emotional, citing these examples from the films: "The Helicopter Rescue" from "Superman: The Movie", "Superman defeats Zod" from "Superman II", and "The defeat of the evil Superman" from "Superman III". In each of these cases we hear arrangements based on the "Theme from Superman" which turn out absolutely moving.

Back to the previous question: What worked in the previous cues that in this case does not occur likewise, when in essence it is the same cue? It all depends. I believe these are the problems:

· The sequence, if it is the same, is neither attractive nor emotional but is independent of the music that is used, never provoking great emotion.
· I also believe that its failure was the emphasis on the intensity of the arrangement. But this ought to be directly joined to what was recommended in the previous point.

In summary I do not believe there is a problem with Courage, in that he gave the best he could, which was his ambition. However, the completed work simply does not work out well.

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