Behind every great film is an even greater soundtrack, and the final instalment of The Twilight Saga is the example that proves the rule
The Twilight Saga as a movie franchise has repeatedly failed on the ‘this is a watchable film’ front, but somehow has managed to salvage some dignity with its fantastic soundtracks. One calls to mind Iron & Wine’s “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” from Twilight, while New Moon’s single redeeming feature was an OST filled with songs from critically acclaimed artists such as Lykke Li, Thom Yorke and Band of Skulls. The latest and final film, Breaking Dawn: Part Two, continues this tradition with helpings from the likes of Feist and Passion Pit.
Soundtracks can often make or break a film; such is the impact of music on the screen. This got me thinking of other movies, and just how important the accompanying songs have been to their success and status amongst audiences.
So what follows is a list of my favourite movie soundtracks through the decades, starting with the 1960s, to demonstrate that it’s not just the pictures that can rivet a viewer, but the sounds too.
First up has to be a childhood classic, no other than Oliver! (1968) and “Consider Yourself”. Nary a Christmas should go past without a living room rendition of this corker.
The whole of the 1970s can be summed up with this most legendary of scores, the second choice on my list, and let nothing else be said about it – the main title from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) composed by John Williams.
Going through the ‘80s many songs come to mind, including “Berlin’s Take My Breath Away” from Top Gun (1986) and the iconic Rocky (1982) theme tune “Eye Of The Tiger” by Sparrow. For pure instrumentals, Platoon (1986) provides a nice contrast with its slow yet powerfully emotive music, while Chariots of Fire (1981), which was played continuously throughout the London Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012, does a similar job.
After much deliberation, the third song on my list is “You’re The Best” by Joe Esposito taken from Karate Kid (1984). Watching this scene as a kid brought forth such excitement and amazement, and the last move right at the end of the film was just magical. We all tried to perform that kick and I bet you tried it too! Go on, just admit it!
I head now into the nineties and here it gets really tough! Romance seemed to dominate in this decade… Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard (1992), or Brian Adams’ “(Everything I do) I do It For You” in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). Then there’s Romeo & Juliet (1996), “Love Fool” by The Cardigans, or end-of-the-world-classic, Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” for Armageddon (1998).
This, my fourth choice of song, stayed in the single charts for like, forever: “Love Is All Around” by Wet Wet Wet from Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). I include this not just because it’s a great song but, dare I say it, when you’re with your mates and having a laugh, you might have a cheeky sing-along. I feel it in my fingers! Or is it in my toes…?
The fifth song has to be different. I’m tempted by the opening theme of Pulp Fiction (1994) or Dangerous Minds (1995), “Gangster’s Paradise” by Coolio. However, I’ve chosen the cool “Men in Black” by Will Smith because, regardless of what you may think of the film (1997), everyone was singing this when it came out.
A movie soundtrack list is not complete without a tune from a Disney movie. Number six has to be the renowned and much-loved Lion King (1994), “Circle of Life”, if only because it helped me pass Science in school.
Moving onto the next decade, The Beach (2000) and “Pure Shores” by All Saints provides a smooth, jovial and uplifting change, while “Jai Ho” by the Pussycat Dolls offers up a a ‘multicultural’ twist for Slumdog Millionaire (2008). However, taking the seventh spot on my list is Kill Bill Volume 1 (2003), because a bit of bloody violence never hurt anyone…
Number eight has to be from the Bourne Supremacy (2004) with Moby’s “Extreme Ways”, a pop/electronic tune which perfectly complements the edginess and suspense of the film and its content.
Number nine hits the spot with a score to send chills down your spine and make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up: Clint Mansell’s “Lux Aeterna” from Requiem for a Dream (2000). I first watched this film not really knowing what it was about and, boy, was I in for a shock! This soundtrack is an ideal match for this film, stirring all the right emotions at all the right times.
Finally, taking the last spot, number ten is Drive (2011) with “A Real Hero” by College & Electric Youth. I would hazard to say the whole OST was one of the year’s best, but I chose this song specifically because it’s cool, edgy, current and oozes nonchalance. Enough said.
While this probably isn’t the best top ten list of movie soundtracks ever, it does bring back many great memories, and isn’t that part of the lasting beauty of music?
Here to play us out is one last tune just for fun and this really will bring back the child in you. I’m sure you’ll agree, this deserves to be in the list just for good measure. Who you gonna call?! Ghostbusters (1989), of course.
Image from: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/