Here’s a few key soundtracks which illustrate the different impacts they can have.
‘Blade Runner’ (1982, soundtrack release 1994). The score to ‘Blade Runner’ is extremely evocative of the tone of the move, without it, the film would only be half as good. The score is also rare in being quite different from the mainstream, yes the 1980’s was the era of the synth, however it was used infrequently in film scores, apart from comedies. From the success of the soundtrack we can see that music being used in a ‘different’ way can build on the world you are visually portraying and take it to another level, a level which will make you stand out in a bold fashion.
‘Batman Forever’ (1995). The quality of the film is questionable (at best), however as a mainstream soundtrack release this is an interesting watermark. Here we are looking at the song soundtrack, rather than the orchestral score. In the years before it’s release, the trend for successful soundtrack releases on CD were getting bigger and bigger with ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) and ‘The Crow’ (1994), but ‘Batman Forever’ may have been the straw that broke the camels back. Not that it was bad or poorly received, but it was so successful that nothing else could outdo it. It featured the singles ‘Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me’ by U2 and ‘Kiss From A Rose’ by Seal, neither new songs, but both were given Batman themed music videos to help the success of the album. For much of the film, the orchestral score is what the audience mostly hears, these song soundtracks were really only and aid to promoting the film. So why were people buying it? It’s that viewers/customers like to be pulled into your world, to have items which show they’re part of the gang and be ‘in the know’ about this (or your) cool thing.
‘The Godfather’ (1972). The main theme from the film is one of the most recognizable tunes in cinema. Originally conceived as an upbeat Italian folk tune, director Francis Ford Coppola took his fathers melody and slowed it down to the pace of the film to help tell one of cinemas most compelling stories.
‘Million Dollar Hotel’ (2000). From a story by U2’s Bono, this film would see little success (most people just don’t like Bono personally), I think it’s a great film and definitely worth a watch. The soundtrack was by a ‘house band’ including drumming legend Brian Blade, Brian Eno, trumpet extraordinaire Jon Hassell and U2’s long time producer Daniel Lanois (who, after watching one of my short films, allowed me to use his music in the soundtrack). The songs are a mix of old/new U2 tracks, Lou Reed covers and new ‘mood’ pieces. What makes this so interesting is the way in which the covers are treated, they are performed as if they are being played inside of the heads of the main characters (some of which even provide vocals). It’s a great exercise in understanding that all elements of production can be used in showing the audience exactly who the characters are.
‘The Rocketeer’ (1991). By James Horner. The score to ‘The Rocketeer’ is as classic Hollywood and the film itself. The film is brilliant, with Jennifer Connelly considered quitting acting after its poor box office return, as if a film this good couldn’t be a success then why bother. Horner’s career was massive and included: ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan’ (1982) and ‘Aliens’ (1986). Though he did write the music to ‘My Heart Will Go On’ for Celine Dion and ‘Titanic’ (1997)…nobody’s perfect.
‘Ghost In The Shell’ (1995). By Kenji Kawai. There’s just one scene which will stay with you forever, when the Major floats down the river between buildings, the airplane flies overhead and we see a montage of the cty. The score fills the soundtrack like no other. The scene could easily be left out, it doesn’t push forward the narrative, but it does create a mood that stays with you.
'Predator' (1987). Written by Alan Silvestri. Instantly recognizable in just a few of the main themes notes, this score frames the entire story. Music can be a key component in putting across the vibe and narrative, here it also instantly draws you in. Silvestri also wrote the score for ‘Back To The Future’ (1985), ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)‘The Avengers’ (2012), amongst many others.
‘Gremlins’ (1984). By Jerry Goldsmith. From the sweet Mogwai theme to the craziness of the Gremlins main theme, this soundtrack perfectly weaves its way through the film and leaves you humming the tunes for days (and years!) to come. And the updated version of the main theme in ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch’ (1990), is even better! Goldsmith also wrote for ‘Planet Of The Apes’ (1968), ‘The Omen’ (1976), Alien (1979) and many more.
Anything by John Williams. Ok, this is a cheat, I really didn’t want the whole list to be John Williams scores. But what does make his work stand out from, well, everybody else? Williams has created with Star Wars, Superman and Indian Jones (plus many more) an audio calling card. Play any of those soundtracks and you will instantly remember the stories, the characters and the excitement of every single moment. You relive the whole experience from listening to the music. However, play those films without the score and they lose a lot. Understanding that the music on any film, advert or web video isn’t about just filling in the soundtrack with a bit of music, it’s about telling more of the story and building a memorable theme which evokes emotions to the visuals on the screen (which is why it’s so important to get the music right and why editors find it hard when someone says “can we try something different” after the whole script and edit have been built around a particular track). Here's some soundtracks that you might recognize, ha ha...'Jaws' (1975), 'Star Wars' (1977), 'Superman' (1978), 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' (1981), 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' (1982), 'Jurassic Park' (1993), 'Schindler's List' (1993), 'Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone' (2001)...and a few others here and there, ha ha.
‘Highlander’ (1986). As most people know, the soundtrack was supplied by the band Queen. However, a great deal of the orchestral score was by Michael Kamen. Queen would go on to create a full album from the songs produced called ‘A Kind Of Magic’ (1986), however they wanted it to feel like a full Queen album, rather than just a soundtrack and so created alternative mixes and three addition tracks. Being a complete nerd, I’ve made a Spotify playlist which combines the Queen tracks alongside the orchestral pieces by Michael Kamen and Stewart Copeland. Here’s my track listing if you’d like to try it!
1. Forever – Piano Version
2. The Highlander Theme Highlander – The Final Dimension
3. Gimme The Prize
4. Don’t Lose Your Head
5. Ramirez Arrives
6. One Year Of Love
7. Training Montage
8. Who Wants To Live Forever
9. Princes Of The Universe
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