In an era of Hollywood scores defined by emotional bombast and sonic overkill, a work as intimate and moody asRichard Hartley'sA Thousand Acreswould seem to virtually demand critical praise -- and yet, in many respects it's as heavy-handed as its more conventionally blustery counterparts, going so far overboard in establishing its sensitivity and tastefulness that the end result is quite tedious. 　　Hartley's compositions are simply too low-key for their own good. Without a strong main theme to weave in and out of the narrative, the music lacks focus and direction, caving in under the weight of its palpable melancholy. Mood dominatesA Thousand Acresat the expense of melody, and while such an approach may work onscreen, as a pure listening experience there's little here to latch onto.