Plaza Mayor Company Ltd release the original score for the movie Puan, with music by Santiago Dolan. The film follows Marcelo, who has devoted his life to teaching philosophy at the Public University of Buenos Aires. When his mentor Professor Caselli dies unexpectedly, Marcelo expects to become the new head of Department. However, his plans turn upside down with the unexpected arrival of Rafael Sujarchuk...

Santiago Dolan's score for Puan contains 17 (15 min, 26 sec) jazz-based tracks that ooze confidence and atmosphere. It's very much an upbeat, feel good score with some interesting repeating themes. Normally I'd feel a little cheated as this is more an EP than an LP, but to be fair it feels just the right length. Any longer and I think the themes would become a little too repetitive.

Discussing the score, Dolan says: "The soundtrack navigates a musical crossroads, seamlessly blending the soulful rhythms of Rio de la Plata with the improvisational spirit of jazz. Inspired by minimalism, the melodies were composed as a counterpoint to the complexity of the film's characters, allowing their intricacies to resonate without overshadowing the narrative. Influenced by the eclectic musical styles of Buenos Aires, the score echoes the city's rich cultural heritage, and the dynamic rhythmic patterns enhance the comedic elements of the film's narrative. Crafted for a jazz octet and recorded with a live feel, the score showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, enriching the cinematic experience with a distinct and evocative musical landscape."

While I did enjoy the intricacies of the score, I think that it's safe to say this is probably only one that will really appeal to fans of the movie, or maybe fans of jazz.

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Darren Rea