You may have noticed that we’re a little bit obsessed with music and film. If we create soundtracks to our daily lives with the music that we listen to, and expect that to be top-notch in quality, then it’s no wonder we expect the same from our favorite films. With that in mind, we compiled a selection of films and their respective soundtracks that possess particularly standout qualities — the types of films that you remember forever because of musically enhanced moments.
1. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
There are several important elements here: an all-star cast, beautiful cinematography (the entire film was shot with a sepia filter), and perhaps the most pivotal part of the film, the soundtrack. The storyline is loosely centered around the theme of Homer’s Odyssey and the songs in the film can be linked back to folk music relevant to the period in which the story takes place.
2. I Am Sam
This film was originally created with an entirely Beatles-themed soundtrack, so when artists were commissioned to cover the songs, they had to be done in the same tempo as the originals. Hence, the similarity in rhythm and feel for many of the songs. It’s no coincidence that Sean Penn’s daughter in the film is named Lucy, as much of the film centers around an adoration for the Fab Four.
3. Now and Then
For many, this film and soundtrack combination was the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack (see below) of the 1990s. The moments that were most memorable in the film were made even more more poignant by classic tracks from artists including the Jackson 5, the Archies, Stevie Wonder, and the Monkees.
4. The Social Network
Listening to this may reignite your desire to watch the film again, as the soundtrack exists beautifully as a standalone work, but even more powerfully coupled with each of the scenes. From a musical standpoint, the tone of the film — dark, technological, moody — is matched by a composition that could only be the handiwork of Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor (with Atticus Ross’ expert assistance). The score won the Academy Award for “Best Original Score” in 2002, and rightfully so.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
The soundtrack for this cinematic adventure is probably the closest thing we’ve got in 2014 to a response to Now and Then. However, the music plays a different role in this film than it did in the 1995 classic. If you ever questioned a song’s ability to dictate the mood of a scene or character, Guardians grounds its viewers in a tale of epic superhero action with a sonic landscape that keeps things light with an anachronistic touch.
6. Lost in Translation
French duo Air know how to make music that transcends the typical and floats listeners into aural heaven. “Alone in Kyoto” aptly summarizes one of the themes of this film, the solitude of a traveler as a foreigner. The minimal musicality of the production mirrors the quiet feel of the film. The entire soundtrack functions similarly, fitting to the scenes, but with track seemingly foreign to one another if played consecutively.
7. Amelie
The score for this film doubles as the soundtrack, and has served as a mainstay in not only movie culture, but musical culture, as well. The score alters the viewer’s experience so that each scene is matched visually with an aural experience, with the musical aspect of the film telling just as much of a story as the visuals. Composer Yann Tiersen seemed to be aware of this, as visually, we’re presented with a romantic vision of Paris that’s only enhanced by his music.
8. Chef
A good chef takes into account not only the flavors and temperature of the food, but the presentation. In Chef, half of the presentation has to do with the soulful, funky, New Orleans jazz-themed soundtrack. Shots start and end with certain songs, which in turn, behave as the punctuation for a scene. The intro scene is a prime example — each movement in the shot matches almost perfectly with the highs and lows of the song (“Brother John Is Gone” by Wild Magnolias), one that is just as lively as the chopping and preparation of the first meal.
9. Beasts of the Southern Wild
There’s a majestic quality to the score of this film. It’s memorable because, like the other soundtracks on this list, it’s something you might actually find yourself listening to outside the realm of the film. What’s unique about this instance, though, is the fact that director Benh Zeitlin also had a hand in the composition. It’s one thing to be conscious of moments that require music while filming a movie, but it’s another thing to be the one to help fill those moments with music yourself.
10. Rushmore
It’s practically common knowledge that Wes Anderson had originally entertained the idea of a soundtrack entirely comprised of songs by the Kinks for Rushmore. He reconsidered, though, and landed with one that fit magically with the scope of the film. As Anderson’s second film, Rushmore will forever be remembered as a major moment in the director’s career, and without the music, half the story would fall flat. Songs like “Here Comes My Baby” give a new life not only to the music, but also to the characters.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know what they are in the comments!
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