Big River Man (2011)

The Work

Big River Man is a soundtrack score that brings back a distinct memory of listening to Henryk Gorecki's Symphony No. 3 for the first time.  Capturing the essence of a hero on the edge of insanity and lonliness, Rich's work is a Pandora's Box of undulating melodies and raw emotion, bringing with it a contemporary dissonance and mystic minimalism not seen very often in film music.  

Regarded as one of the most challenging scores Rich ever had to compose, his use of contemporary and old instruments mixed with subtle drone and Penderetskian overtones break the music into two elements - heroism and sadness.  From what starts as a heroic journey ends up being somewhat of an observational documentary about the fortitude of the human spirit, all of which Rich is able to capture in the music.  Inspired by Arvo Part and Gorecki, Rich utilizes this comedic and dark emotional progression as the main character tumbles into insanity while he swims the Amazon.

"The thing about Arvo and Gorecki," Rich says, "is that if you study their music, they're like little puzzles.  I have no idea why they effect you so emotionally and so profoundly because it's a game of melodic pieces that fit a pattern."

Call it a fascination with these puzzles and patterns, or an investigation within the elements of Rich's own style that make Big River Man one of Rich's most electrifying and gorgeous scores.  As a stand-alone record, there is no doubt that it holds up its end of the bargain and takes you on an emotional journey that feels like you are right next to Martin Strel as he swims alone down the Amazon.  By the end, you feel his isolation but also recognize the slight glimmer of hope that rests on the shoulder of this unique and unlikely hero.

Andrew P. Alderete
Los Angeles, CA
January, 2011 

Reviews

...a brilliant and nerve-wracking score by Rich Ragsdale.

Variety

From the jaunty tone of the film's first 30 minutes chronicling Strel's lead-up to the big swim, the film's mood changes suddenly when it comes time for the swimmer to dive into the brown waters, in February, 2007. As we see his head bobbing up and down ahead of the boat, the ominous, throbbing score (by Rich Ragsdale) begins to kick in.

The Globe and Mail

...with an ecstatic operatic score, the film glories in the Amazon's primeval splendour and one man's indomitability, but with an ear tuned to the siren call of oblivion.

Wotzon.com

...the music in the film is nothing short of sublime... the finest score for a documentary I can ever remember hearing.

Hotdocs 2009 Review

BIG RIVER MAN enters its main section with a rotating helicopter shot over the rainforest with an aurual wall of feedback (score by N'ville native Rich Ragsdale), one immediately senses the impending Herzogian slow ride to crazyland.

Nashville Film Blog