Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is a 2002 animated film that was released by DreamWorks Pictures. It follows the adventures of a young stallion who is nameless until the end of the movie.
Animation and Sound
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron was made over the course of four years using a conscious blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer animation in a technique the film’s creators dubbed “tradigital animation.” DreamWorks purchased a horse as the model for Spirit and brought the horse to the animation studio in Glendale, California for the animators to study. In the sound department, recordings of real horses were used for the sounds of the many horse characters’ hoof beats as well as their vocalizations. None of the animal characters in the movie speak English beyond occasional reflective narration from the protagonist mustang (voice of Matt Damon). Many of the animators who worked on Spirit also worked on Shrek 2, and their influence can be seen in the horses in that film, such as Prince Charming’s horse from the opening sequence and Donkey’s horse form.
The background score was composed by Hans Zimmer, with songs from Bryan Adams. The opening theme song for the movie is “Here I Am” written by Bryan Adams, Gretchen Peters, and Hans Zimmer. It was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Another song, which was not included in the film itself (although it can be heard in the ending credits), is “Don’t Let Go”, which was sung by Bryan Adams with Sarah McLachlan on harmonies and piano. It was written by Bryan Adams, Gavin Greenaway, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, and Gretchen Peters. Many of the songs and arrangements are set in the American West, with themes based on love, landscapes, brotherhood, struggles, and journeys. Garth Brooks was originally supposed to write and record songs for the film but the deal fell through.
Many of the scenes used for the song of “I Will Always Return” were taken from the earlier parts of the movie to “This Is Where I Belong”. A good example is when Spirit and Rain are standing on the hill. That was taken directly from the earlier part of the movie, only there were some slight modifications.
The original soundtrack contains 15 songs, and the special edition has one extra.
