Edge of Darkness (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is the film score to the 2010 film Edge of Darkness directed by Martin Campbell and starring Mel Gibson. The film score composed by Howard Shore was released through WaterTower Music on January 26, 2010.
The original score was initially set to be composed by John Corigliano, who was chosen by Campbell as he wanted Gibson to be portrayed in a more introspective and intimate manner, as opposed to his usual pattern and had written a "highly motivic and thematic" work for the film. He also recorded the score at the Abbey Road Studios in London. However, despite his work being completed, his score was not included in the final edit, as producer Graham King sold the rights to Warner Bros. Pictures who had the film to be changed into an action film with Gibson's involvement, and needed a score to suit the actor's image and Corigliano's work did not match the final output and the composer himself rejected the idea on composing for an action star. Since, he went to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for performing a concert, Corigliano was unable to rescore the film, which led the producers to replace him with Howard Shore. The score was written and recorded at the Abbey Road Studios in a short span of time.
James Southall of Movie Wave wrote "This isn't an easy album to sit and listen to, but not everything in life should be easy, and if you find yourself in the right mood then it's certainly one worth having in your collection". Christian Clemmensen of Filmtracks wrote "Edge of Darkness is surprisingly cohesive, but it takes a while to cook."
Reviewer based at The Hollywood Reporter called it an "edgy score". Philip French of The Guardian wrote "Howard Shore's score is a dull, conventional affair compared to the magnificently eerie music written for the original by Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen." JimmyO of JoBlo.com called the score as "fine". Rick DeMott of Animation World Network wrote "Howard Shore's score is a subtle presence throughout the film, acting as a supporting character and never drawing too much attention to itself."
Corigliano's rejected score for the film was released as Music from the Edge through Perseverance Records on May 2012.
Credits adapted from liner notes: