Road to Perdition (soundtrack)

The Road to Perdition soundtrack is the musical score composed by Thomas Newman for the 2002 film of the same name, directed by Sam Mendes. The score primarily features piano, strings, and percussion instruments, creating a somber and melancholic atmosphere that reflects the film's themes of fatherhood, loss, and revenge during the Great Depression era.

Newman's score avoids the clichés often associated with gangster films, opting instead for a more understated and emotionally resonant approach. He utilized minimalist techniques and evocative melodies to underscore the complex relationship between the main characters, Michael Sullivan Sr. and his son, Michael Sullivan Jr.

The soundtrack was released by DreamWorks Records in 2002. It received critical acclaim for its atmospheric qualities and its ability to enhance the film's narrative. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score at the 75th Academy Awards but lost to Frida. The score's influence can be heard in subsequent films with similar thematic or historical settings.