I haven't seen ANYWHERE BUT HERE yet (the film opens November 12), but listening to the single suite of score from the film, composed by Danny Elfman (there are no credits like orchestrations, conducting, etc. included with advance copies of the album) is good enough. The music is like a sister of GOOD WILL HUNTING in that it is very "female". I'm not sure how I can describe it without getting in some sort of trouble, but it would seem that Danny Elfman has gotten in touch with his female side.

The suite starts with the soft plucks of acoustic guitar and the familiar samples from Danny Elfman's digital repetoire. A soothing female voice joins the guitar (some have likened the voice to the lead singer of The Cranberries, but in actuality it's Poe). The effect is somewhat similiar to that Patrick Doyle achieved with GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Elfman achieves the same high level of success himself. While the first two cues are very contemporary (they even feature electric guitar wails!), it is followed by a more traditional and beautifully melodic cue (3:57) afterwards with a sprightly pizzicato, vibrant guitar plucks, piano and soft choir. The suite segues into some softer moments of reflection then (at 6:27) reprises the first cue with female voice - this time kicked up a notch. The recording quality is excellent too - clean, and mixed loudly on the same volume level with the songs. Speaking of the songs, they basically touch on the same themes: friendship, love, understanding - you know, girl things! (Just kidding). There are a few decent tracks, "Anywhere But Here" by K.D. Lang, "Leaving's Not Leaving" by LeAnn Rimes, "I Wish" Lisa Loeb - "Strange Wind" by Poe and co-written by Danny Elfman being the stand out song (which you can download below). Soundtrack die-hards may not like them, but they're somewhat bearable.

I have to honestly say that after the first listen I was hooked by this suite. While it may be very different than anything Danny Elfman has ever done in the past, it is a great testament to his unmatched versatility in scoring films. I certainly hope that there is more than the seven and a half minutes of score available - enough to comprise it's own album. At the very least, curious purchasers of the album may take a listen to and like Elfman's contribution, in turn seeking out his past works. If ANYWHERE BUT HERE receives good critical notices and Academy attention, Danny Elfman may be inline for an Oscar nomination.

Adele August is an audacious dreamer and the mother of the practical-minded 14-year-old Ann. Adele has decided to pack up and leave the dead-end town of Bay City, Wisconsin for the adventure and excitement of Beverly Hills. Ann is dead set against the move; she loves her life at home, her grandmother, Lillian, and her best friend, Benny (Shawn Hatosy). Ann and Adele constantly clash over their competing goals. Adele feels she is rescuing her daughter from a dreary, small-town life while Ann believes her mother is living in a world of her own, ignoring the harsh realities they are often forced to confront.

Things are difficult at first for Ann. She misses Benny and is not thrilled with their new surroundings - a less than glamorous, small apartment in a fairly grungy set of flats. Adele, of course, remains hopelessly optimistic throughout their misadventures, much to Ann's dismay. Adele gets a job as a speech therapist in a school and soon meets someone she believes could be Mr. Right.

She quickly finds out he's anything but and Ann is forced to deal with the disastrous consequences of that relationship. But this is just another episode that serves to strengthen the powerful and volatile bond between them.

Wayne Wang has once again crafted a poignant film that seeks to uncover the deepest emotions and longings of human beings. And, once again, he has drawn memorable performances from his hugely talented cast. Anywhere But Here will move audiences with its searing honesty and touching sketch of a unique mother-daughter relationship. [1999 Toronto International Film Festival]