It’s all about music in the movies
by Marissa Richardson | June 20, 2008 at 6:00 am
Posted in movies
Coming up with a theme for this week’s blog, I was going over my favorite movies, some I’ve already worked into previous posts. Then I realized what almost all of them have in common — music. Figures, I’m a sucker for good dialogue over music. I’m not talking about musicals (though technically one is in this list so bear with me), more like films where music seems to be as significant as any main character. Can you imagine “High Fidelity” without long, drawn out conversations over music? Didn’t think so. In fact, enjoy one of the best scenes and what spawned my crush on John Cusack:
Buckle up for some great tunes and great movies:
Almost Famous-Poignant, brilliant and I couldn’t believe that someone else my age had dreams of working for Rolling Stone. Very quotable and Jason Lee is a rock god. At least, in my mind he is.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch-So, technically this is a musical but not in the traditional sense. People don’t break out in dance for no real reason, people don’t speak in song. The best thing about “Hedwig” is that it gets better and better every time I watch it and I get something new out of it. At first glance, this movie is about a transvestite rocker almost stalking an ex-lover who stole his/her songs and is now a famous musician. But, really, it’s so much more. Watch this and see for yourself:
A Hard Day’s Night-For a movie with a poor plot (watch the Fab 4 run around!) and the main characters not being real actors, it’s fantastic. The music is timeless and it’s still hilarious.
Empire Records-When I first saw this movie when I was 10, my friends and I quoted it for months. I can’t help but tell my friend, Rex, “Oh Rexy, you’re sooooo sexy” or use frequently, “who knows where thoughts come from, they just appear.” Not many people I know have seen this, so if you’re one of those people, go watch it right now.
Want to see some more movie clips? Check out the videos page.
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June 20th, 2008 at 4:40 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
I remember seeing the Wall at the theater before I even knew who Pink Floyd was. Crazy. I also loved Velvet Goldmine, a movie based on the rise of David Bowie but I especially liked the Iggy Pop(Ewan McGregor) role in the film. And we can't forget this is Spinal Tap! No, we can't forget that. "Good evening Clevelenad!!"
June 20th, 2008 at 7:17 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Nice picks, especially Hedwig. Spinal Tap is a must, too. "The numbers all go to 11." And tiny Stonehenge just has too many parallels to real life and work.
My addition would be the Blues Brothers. Really a lark, but with great performers not taking themselves seriously (Ray Charles shooting thieves at the pawn shop!) and so many details that have a crazy cultural stick-to-itiveness. "How much for ze little girl?" "Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips." "Four fried chickens ... and a Coke." And the Curl Up & Dye hair salon.
June 21st, 2008 at 1:22 am | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
You beat me to the punch with "High Fidelity", I even bought the soundtrack after seeing the movie. Great stuff! there is something about his movies I always seem to identify with, I just can't put my finger on it.
In keeping with the John Cusack theme, I would add "Grosse Pointe Blank": gotta like the Clash, the Specials, and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs!
In a different vein, let's include "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" I especially like 'Hard Time Killing Floor Blues' by Chris Thomas King. Plus, "I'm a Dapper Dan Man!"
A good, obscure Brit flick - "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels". Sort of the British 'Pulp Fiction'. Funny with some oddball music. Great line: 'I don't care 'oo ya use, just a long as they aren't complete Muppets!' Bonus dialogue phrase: 'Hortif**kinculturlist!' Trust me, it's hilarious. Rent it.
Random memory: I once used that "Four fried chickens and a Coke" line at a Kentucky Fried Chicken drive-thru, goofing off with some friends. Talk about confusion, the cashier was totally flummoxed, kept asking "Is that wings... or legs?" It gets better: she asked us "You want your drinks in a bag?". In a flash of rapier wit I replied "No, thanks, we'll take 'em in a cup!" Hilarity ensued. One of my friends nearly wet himself he was laughing so hard.
Back to the topic at hand: Would a concert film/art film hybrid count? I'm thinking "The Song Remains The Same", classic Led Zeppelin stoner flick.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
DB~ that's my uncle and aunt's favorite movie. they say whenever they get lost, that's what they say.