[This is an old blog I did from 2009, but still relevant.]
The music that is played during the scenes of film of any kind is very important. It shapes the tone of the direction and sometimes directly affects the interactions between the characters. It’s one of my favorite things to experience, when a song really sticks out in a movie.
Being as it is the end of a decade (RIP 2000-2009), I am not going to talk about the “Greatest music movies of the 2000 decade”, because there aren’t a whole lot. Instead, I’m going to go through the list of the movies that represented each decade the best (or the ones I’ve seen that stick out in my mind), going back as far as I can. Also, if you think I left something out, let me know! [NOTE: I enjoy movies that have generally been bashed to hell by movie critics. These are just my personal, unprofessional opinions! - Connie]
1930s: A different time, a different style, and the music was kickin’.
Swing Kids – This movie is pretty much an unknown and has fallen by the wayside, but if you have Netflix, I suggest you check it out. Swing dancing has become sort of popular again and I think it’s pretty impossible not to smile or (try and) bust a move when there’s some upbeat jazz or swing music in the air. But in this pre-World War II Germany, teens had to get their “cool” music underground. In other words, they were sort of the punks of their generation. And if they got caught…it was the Junior Nazi reform for ‘em. It’s just fun music, but almost more importantly, music you can actually dance to. Starring: Christian Bale, Robert Sean Leonard. Music Editors: Michael Dittrick and Joe E. Rand. (1993)
1960s: A very important decade for music – The Beatles, The Stones…revolution.
That Thing You Do! - If you haven’t seen this cult classic from the 90s, you should get on it. Although most of the music was written specifically for the movie (for fictional artists), it embodies the feeling of The Beatles takeover of America, right down to an almost seamless recreation of their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Starring: Tom Hanks, Liv Tyler, Tom Everett Scott. Original Music by Howard Shore. (1996)
Pirate Radio/The Boat That Rocked (UK) – When I came out of the theater after seeing this movie, I could not get “All Day And All of the Night” by The Kinks out of my head. In my opinion, Pirate Radio was the first good movie I had seen in awhile. All of the characters stood out in my mind afterward (including their names, instead of ‘that guy’) and I went through an entire range of emotions during the 2 hours. The music suited the situation perfectly, evoking love and revolution, all at the same time. Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Ifans. Music Supervisor: Nick Angel (2009)
1970s: When rock had defined itself as a force to be reckoned with.
School of Rock - I know…I know…Jack Black, really? Well, I think I’m one of the few and far between that actually still appreciates this movie. Unlike the previous films I’ve mentioned, School of Rock isn’t dated to the 1970s, but rather highlights the classic music in a world that seems to lack any real ground-breaking music of its own. Plus, the image of a bunch of elementary-school kids rocking out on stage is just way too cute. And who could pass up a movie featuring songs by The Who, The Doors, The Black Keys, Led Zeppelin and The Darkness? Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Sarah Silverman. Music Supervisor: Randall Poster (2003)
1980s: The hair…the clothes…but the music was sick.
The Wedding Singer – I, personally, love 80s music. I think any movie that was set in the 80s automatically has a killer soundtrack. The Wedding Singer has all of that, and a chance to see the classic 80s fashion blunders, including the silver Michael Jackson glove and black Madonna get-up. Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore. Music Supervisor: Michael Dilbeck (1998)
1990s: Because from great grunge came some great artists.
Empire Records – Have you visited your local record store lately? Probably not. Looking back now, it’s heartbreaking to know what has really happened to the nondigital music industry. But who could forget the lovable Breakfast Club of employees at Empire Records? As a music lover who’s had her share of terrible retail jobs, I can watch this movie now and envy them. Sadly, this movie didn’t get as much recognition as I would have thought. If it was released now, I feel like it would be received with a lot more appreciation, especially amongst the Warped Tour crowd. With its blend of rock – from The Cranberries to Gwar – it’s all about fighting the corporations and saving what really matters. “Damn the Man…Save the Empire!” Starring: Liv Tyler, Anthony LaPaglia, Renee Zellweger. Music Supervisor: Mitchell Leib (1995)
2000s: We hardly knew ye…
Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist – I finally got around to seeing this movie about a month ago. I know my fair share of unknown bands, but this movie did a fantastic job of finding Indie bands that came out of the woodwork. The musical premise of the movie I thought was absolutely fantastic: spending all night searching for a band that leaves clues and finally plays at some ungodly hour at an undisclosed location. It would only happen in New York City, but overall, the feel of being young and having one crazy night doesn’t seem all that strange….A good reminder for the next decade. It’s cute, it’s fun, it’s got some good tunes. Starring: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings. Music Supervisor: Linda Cohen (2008)
Honorable Mentions:
Although these are great movies, the music essentially revolved around one band and therefore came from just one source.
1960s
A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles in their first film were fantastic. It’s goofy fun, but a chance to see them outside of pictures and records. (1964)
1970s/1980s
This Is Spinal Tap – Words cannot even describe this “rockumentary”. If you don’t think a comeback tour by a clueless washed-up band could be funny…well, there’s just no help for you. (1984)
Again, PLEASE let me know if I left out any movies you think should have made the cut. I may or may not have seen them, or remembered I’ve seen them! Also, what are some of your favorite movie soundtracks?
