Memorable Movie Music Moments
By Roz Young (with Matt Baker) September 22, 2009
Recently, Matt and I made a list of must-see zombie movies. Matt is also attempting, against all odds of sanity and self-preservation, to watch a boat load of Michael Bay movies and blog about them. The boat load then promptly explodes, in the sun set, for no apparent reason. Hopefully, set to great music.
In the spirit of great music in movies, Matt and I have compiled a new list. To celebrate memorable music movie moments, when the music chosen perfectly fits the movie moment, but wasn’t written specifically for the film. If you have any other shining examples to share with us, let us know on the forum.
Easy Rider (1969) - “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf in the opening credits is the classic movie music moment. I didn’t know this movie was directed by Dennis Hopper. Huh, you learn something ever day.
A Clockwork Orange (1971) - Hail to Kubrick! Classical music making movie moments tremendous... This is all Kubrick movies. This movie, and 2001: A Space Odyessy, in particular. Matt would also like to give a special mention to “Singing in the Rain” by Gene Kelly in this movie.
Apocalypse Now (1979) - Hey, another movie with Dennis Hopper! Matt wanted me to discuss the opening credits and “Ride of the Valkyries”, but I gotta say, as I flip through the soundtrack, the whole thing looks pretty awesome. I have a thing for Rolling Stones music in movies (like I hated Interview with the Vampire except for a crush on Christian Slater and the scene with “Sympathy for the Devil”). My only concern is the song “Love Me, And Let Me Love You” apparently performed by Robert Duvall? Really? I do not remember that.
Full Metal Jacket (1987) - The “Mickey Mouse Club March”, sung by soldiers marching through a bombed out city, is available on the soundtrack. Matt loves this movie moment, and can’t gush enough about music in Kubrick movies. Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Were Made for Walkin” and the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black” are also in this movie. Pairing modern music with intense moments in perfectly strange harmony... Kubrick.
Reservoir Dogs (1992) - Tarantino is another dude who makes great music movie moments. In this one, Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck In The Middle With You” stays with you as an integral part of the scene. I also love the soundtrack for all of Jackie Brown (1997) and Pulp Fiction (1994). “Misirlou” is probably one of the most memorable music-movie pairings of all time.
Trainspotting (1996) - “Lust For Life” by Iggy Pop plays during the opening scene of this movie, and really sets the tone for the whole experience. It says a lot about the culture and atmosphere of the film. Matt also enjoys “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed, during the overdose. I like hearing “Carmen” in this movie. The soundtrack is pretty awesome actually.
Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) - Matt loves when “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges plays when he loses the poker game, and “Liar, liar” (The Castaways) during the game. We agree that Guy Ritchie movies generally have great music movie moments.
Dawn of the Dead (2004) - “The Man Comes Around” by Johnny Cash, opening credits; and “Down with the Sickness” performed by Mark Jonathan Davis (as Richard Cheese) & Lounge Against The Machine. I LOVED the lounge version of the song... What a movie moment. Pairing horror with comedy is genius! See our Shaun of the Dead comments...
Shaun of the Dead (2004) - We have a thing for zombie movies. This one is the ultimate zombie comedy, and the music is a huge part of it. Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” makes our list of memorable music movie moments.
Watchmen (2009) - Okay, the entire movie has great music, and you know this because you’ve seen it or we wouldn’t be friends. Matt and I have discussed this at length during our coffee breaks, and could probably do a whole podcast... But the opening credits deserve special attention. Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin” makes you feel the opening of this movie. It’s perfect. Also “I’m Your Boogie Man” and the Hendrix version of “All Along the Watchtower” are super. Matt’s meh on the Cohen “Hallelujah”, but his “First We Take Manhattan” is a great fit.