Music and the Movies

In honor of my friend Robin, who deserves a hearty congratulations on landing a great new job, I'm posting some of my favorite song moments from recent movies, similar to a multi-part post that Robin put up recently. These aren't necessarily the definitive best song moments, but just some cool ones that came to me, in no particular order...

"Falling Slowly" from Once

This song plays several times during the film, but the best moment, which appears in some of the shots of this montage video, is when the guy and girl play together for the first time in the piano shop. Very sweet.

"The Blower's Daughter" from Closer

I love it when a movie opens with a cool song, and the way the crowd behind Natalie Portman seems to undulate in slow motion to the music is visually poetic. Even if you hate the rest of the movie, you gotta love the opening scene.

"I Say a Little Prayer for You" from My Best Friend's Wedding

Rupert Everett stole every scene in this film he appeared in, and this was a fun moment in the middle of the movie.

"Streets of Philadelphia" from Philadelphia

Another cool song to open a movie. Unfortunately this is the Springsteen music video and not film footage, but the video has a similar vibe as the film's opening, which was shots around the city.

"Por Una Cabeza" from Scent of a Woman

Such a lovely scene from this movie. A nice musical moment that (for awhile) made Julia Ormond somewhat of a star.

The Dance Contest from Pulp Fiction

A moment of levity in a bloody (and bloody good) film.

"The Crying Game" from The Crying Game

"She's...she's on."

"It Might Be You" from Tootsie

A quintessentially '80s music montage from a classic '80s movie.

"Johnny B. Goode" from Back to the Future

The invention of rock n roll!

"Anything Goes" from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Apparently satisfied Spielberg's urge to ever make a musical, and who knew even sci-fi/action films can stage a great dance number? Can you blame me for, as a little boy, doing the fan dance in my bedroom?

"Come What May" from Moulin Rouge

Only original song from the movie, right? Great song.

"All the Time in the World" from On Her Majesty's Secret Service

James Bond fell in love and married one woman in his life, and the montage set to this romantic song is one of the most tender moments in any Bond movie. Too bad I can't find the straight cut from the film, but this actually discusses the use of the song, which is interesting.