‘Dead Man’ Soundtrack Fully Formed

Most people buy a soundtrack album to be reminded of a favorite film.

But with the soundtrack to “Dead Man Walking” - an album that features only three songs used in the movie - that’s not necessarily the case. You could buy it before - or even without - seeing the movie and still find yourself drawn into the world of the film.

The delicacy of “Dead Man’s” insight and its refusal to take sides in a debate as emotionally charged as the one over capital punishment carry over to the CD, which features the film’s title and lead characters on the cover but consists mostly of songs that are “inspired by” the movie.

Director, writer and producer Tim Robbins sent a rough cut of “Dead Man,” along with a file of articles about the case upon which the script was based, to a number of musicians he admired for their compassion and talent - Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Bruce Springsteen, among others - and waited for their replies.

The result stands on its own. Unlike many soundtracks - which need the movie to achieve their full weight - “Dead Man” emerges fully formed. Seeing the film may clarify the songs on it, but who hasn’t felt imprisoned? Or walked in fear of judgment, if not of our actions then of our thoughts and desires?