Don Bodin Scores Big with Mexican Gangster

In October 2008 Don Bodin was hired to deliver the score for the Amadeus Pictures' feature film Mexican Gangster.

The film follows the story of 8 year old Johnny Sun, a Mexican American born in the ghetto, who's parents slaying leads him to a life as a gangster. Years later, after being released from prison, Johnny returns to the streets and realizes the gang life is not what he wants for himself or his younger brother . . but with gang politics he finds he may not have a choice.

"This guy is making such incredible music," commented director Damian Chapa "You can tell he has real talent by how quickly he works and how moving the music is."

For the score Don focused on creating powerful dramatic themes with a hint of a "latin" feel. Bodin's intimate score helps to usher the audience into the world of the main character's inner conflict as he faces the challenge of going legit.

The film also offered Bodin the opportunity to flex his skills in crafting original songs for the film including the bluesy- Lynchian track "To Be Near You Again."

"Because of time and budget constraints," Bodin commented, "I needed to write and record 5 songs with lyrics for source music in addition to the themes and underscore."

The film was purchased for distribution in November 2008 at the American Film Market. The film premiered in Los Angeles on November 21st and will be available on DVD in February 2009 at Blockbuster Video.

Music from Mexican Gangster
Composed by Don Bodin


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Praise for Don Bodin

David Heaton of Pop Matters called Greed, Lust and Cloning “fresher sounding than some of what Hollywood’s composers are coming up; Zimmer could learn something from Bodin’s spunk.”

“Bodin’s superb music sense, coupled with his arsenal of amazing musicians, has resulted in an album that is nothing short of extraordinary.”
- Vish Iyer, Daily Vault

“. . . crunchy guitars, strings, operatic flourishes and synthesized mayhem create an ominous backdrop. Roll over, John Williams.”
- La Briola, The Westword