Most films have music scores and soundtracks for a reason – they help tell the story and bring us into the characters’ worlds. The music allows us to feel glory, frustration, excitement, boredom, grief, joy, and dozens of other emotions so we can more fully enjoy the film. Thanks to a friend “nominating” me to participate in one of those Facebook Top Ten lists (which I usually avoid like a fast food dumpster), the list below includes films that struck me both musically and cinematically. Enjoy!
For me this animated movie is more about the music than anything else. When I was little, my sister and I listened to record albums of some of the original Disney films. Imagine my surprise when, decades later, I learned who Louie Prima was and how he was connected to this film. Blew me away! I Wanna be Like You is a favorite tune from this film, and apparently it’s a favorite of many others, having been covered by about a dozen other musicians. (I haven’t seen the 2016 remake. Anyone recommend it?)
I grew up listening to many different styles of music, including the “King of Ragtime” Scott Joplin. This movie takes place about 20 years after Joplin’s death, but the ragtime soundtrack fits the action like a glove. Marvin Hamlisch adapted at least five different Joplin rags to support the feel of different scenes. This was my first Newman/Redford film, and each time I watched it, I saw a plot twist or clue I hadn’t caught before.
This was the first movie that I can remember from my high school days that dealt semi-seriously with the concept of—and potential problems with—time travel. All you need is a little plutonium, and a soundtrack that includes Huey Lewis! Bob Zemeckis and Bob Gale wrote the story, which they had a tough time selling to Hollywood, but once the project finally got under way, Alan Silvestri provided an amazing film score.
A high school friend introduced me to this movie, my first foray into the quirky, macabre creations of director Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman. Been a fan of both ever since. I was immediately taken by Elfman’s use of voices, unusual percussion, and writing what can be both creepy and beautiful. Excellent comedic cast, too, including Ken Page as the gambling Oogie Boogie Man!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
I’ve always been a fan of stop-motion animation, and this 90-minute film took about two years to create. The quirky story features Jack Skellington and the well-meaning resident creatures of Halloween Town, as he strives to explain to them the warm and fuzzy Christmas Town customs. Excellent soundtrack composed by and featuring the singing voice of Danny Elfman!
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Johnny Depp’s iconic scoundrel Captain Jack Sparrow easily found his way into the hearts of moviegoers worldwide. Just as easily, a CD of the film’s score (composed by Klaus Badelt and his teacher at the time, Hans Zimmer) found its way into my personal collection. From the jaunty cello jig of Jack’s theme to the full orchestra sailing on open seas to darker, percussive music outlining Barbosa’s cutthroat pirates doing what they do best, the music plays a large part in the telling of this tale. And of course, it’s just cool to see a feature-length film based on an amusement park ride, instead of the other way around.
What movies music made a difference for you?
What films have you seen more than once because of the soundtrack?
Do you have a favorite film composer?