The soundtrack for the five-part HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce, starring
Kate Winslet,
Evan Rachel Wood, and
Guy Pearce, features a nice mix of popular song, big-band, opera, and classical music, all of which are woven throughout longtime
Coen Brothers collaborator
Carter Burwell's plaintive original score. Set in the 1930s,
Burwell's lovely, emotive, piano-led opening title forms the foundation of his score, and his attention to detail and simplicity lends the film an appropriately sepia-toned hue. The remaining tracks are both subtle and stellar as well, with top-notch performances from Glen Grey & the Casa Loma Orchestra (“Milenberg Joys”),
Hal Kemp & the Carolina Club Orchestra (“I’m Always Chasing Rainbows“), and Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks (“Easy to Love”). ~ James Christopher Monger