Would Jaws be as scary without the music that played as it swam through the water? Would the shower scene from Psycho still be as effective with out it's chilling tune? And could you imagine the rose petal scene from American Beauty without it's hypnotic melody? Music plays an integral role in any movie. Some scores stay with you forever, and only a second into hearing it, you instantly know what movie it's from. In this section, I will review some of the most memorable movie music of all time, so listen up!
What's the song that makes you instantly think of the film you heard it from? There are many, so I've decided to present the Top 10 List for Best Use of a Song in a Movie. Given the right track, songs can add to the movie and exemplify the scene to Unforgettable-Status. Either the film makes the song famous, or the song will always remind you of the film. Have a read (and listen) to some of the best. Let the countdown begin...
Number 10
Meet Joe Black
In the late nineties, a little film came out called “Meet
Joe Black” Not that it was a small production at all, and with a running time
of three hours, it took some dedication to watch it. It was little in the sense
it didn’t light up the box office at the time, as it was panned by critics. It does
have a loyal following, and has garnered more respect over the years. What
stands out from the film, despite its star actors Brad Pitt and Anthony
Hopkins, is it’s exceptional score. After watching the movie the first time,
that’s what left the biggest impression on me. I went out and bought a copy
soon after and now, seventeen years later, I still listen to it on a regular
basis.
Composed by Thomas Newman, who would follow this up with the
brilliant theme for “American Beauty”, he creates movies soundtracks that are
in a league of their own. Newman’s themes are instantly recognisable, however
each film he work’s on sounds distinctly different. His melodies are often
soft, deep and transparent, and provide great easy listening and relaxation
music alternatives if you’re open to that.
The story of the film centres around billionaire Bill Parish,
who gets a visit from Death. Taking the form of a young man (Brad Pitt) Death
tells Bill he has only days left to live. So in exchange for an extension on
his life, Death asks Bill to be his guide on earth and show him around. As the
two form a friendship and experience the high’s of life and the lows of death,
the music cues in at the perfect time to capture the emotion and set the scene.
My personal favourite tracks from the soundtrack include, “Walk
Away”, “Someone Else” and “That Next Place” which all feature at key moments in
the film.
Beautiful, peaceful, soothing; the soundtrack to Meet Joe
Black soars to great emotional heights. It lifts the spirit and inspires the
soul. It opens the heart and enlightens the mind. It has brought me out of some
dark places, in times when I felt lost and alone. Out of those dark times this
music has brought me into the light. In particular, the final track “That Next
Place”, running at ten minues long and perfectly embodying every theme, emotion
and message of the films ending, is simply an amazing piece of music. That
track, and this film, have taught me not to fear the end of my life, but rather
to embrace it.
To hear those key tracks mentioned above, just click on the videos below;
"Walkaway"
"Someone Else"
"That Next Place"
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