Many conditions must be met for the film to become iconic. Plot, acting, costumes and, of course, soundtrack. Good music that matches the atmosphere of the movie is memorable and reminds us of our favourite scenes. Here is Platform’s Lilia Hadj Said with their picks for the best movie themes…
10. Pulp Fiction -You Never Can Tell
American restaurant, American dance, American classic. Pulp Fiction is a masterpiece in every respect, including music. The scene where Mia (Uma Thurman) and Vincent (John Travolta) come out on stage and start dancing in the most cheesy and perfect way has probably entered into the history of cinema forever. The song You Never Can Tell, by Chuck Berry, lifts everyone from their seats and forces them to start a carefree dance. The track fits the plot perfectly while watching, You Never Can Tell what’s going to happen in the next moment.
9. James Bond – Skyfall
It is a great honour for an artist to be selected to create a song for a James Bond movie. Skyfall is one of the most popular songs from the adventures of the famous agent. Adele with her deep voice and writing talent has created an atmospheric, puzzling song that perfectly fits the nature of James Bond played by Daniel Craig. Listening to the song, our thoughts immediately move to the world of intrigue and dangerous adventures.
8. Moulin Rouge – Lady Marmalade
A soulful, erotic song performed by Christina Aguilera was used in the soundtrack of 2001’s Moulin Rouge directed by Baz Luhrmann. The song is very sensual, feminist and colourful much alike the musical Moulin Rouge itself. After the movie was released, the song became incredibly popular. At the 92nd Academy Awards this year, Lady Marmalade was included in the montage of the most iconic songs from the movies.
7. Bodyguard – I Will Always Love You
Although the song was originally written and performed by Dolly Parton, it did not become famous until it was performed by Whitney Huston. Her version was used in the movie Bodyguard by Mick Jackson, in which Huston played one of the lead roles. Whitney Huston‘s version became a classic and a song known by millions around the world. The song is incredibly romantic and heartbreaking, just like the movie itself. Rachel (Whitney Huston) says goodbye to her beloved with a song, knowing that their relationship has no chance of surviving.
6. Breakfast club – Don’t You (Forget About Me)
A group of high school students from completely different backgrounds trapped in one room for the whole day. What can happen? They can understand that they are not that dissimilar, they may have different interests and lives, but each of them is lost and looking for true friendship. The John Hughes movie is already a true classic and we will always associate the song Don’t you (Forget about me) from the iconic final scene.
As John (Judd Nelson) walks across the field, the words of an essay by Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) are heard in the background, saying that he and his friends are indefinable, the song begins. The track and the movie are both iconic for young people of every generation.
5. Titanic – My Heart Will Go On
One of the most romantic movies and songs of all time. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion is about true love, exactly as Jack (Leonardo di Caprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet) experienced. The song won an Oscar for Best Original Movie Song as well as tons of other awards, including a Grammy. This touching track will forever be associated with the movie Titanic and its tragic love story.
4. Grease – You’re The One That I Want
The most important song of one of the most memorable musicals. You’re the One that I Want gained enormous popularity after the film was released, and many versions have been made over the years. The song reflects the whole musical, has romantic lyrics, but is lively and energetic. Each of us surely remembers the moment when Sandy (Olivia Newton) showed herself to her beloved Danny (John Travolta) after the metamorphosis from a good girl to a sexy Pink Ladies woman – and it’s this song that keeps the moment stuck in our minds.
3. Mamma Mia – Mamma Mia
Greece, colourful costumes, love and Abba songs. What can go wrong? Apart from the appearance of three potential fathers, absolutely nothing. Mamma Mia, even though it is a completely new musical, can already be called a classic. It is a film perfect for a bad mood, broken heart or Sunday relaxation, and the title track, (sung by Meryl Streep) is an absolute must-have for any karaoke repertoire.
2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Moon River
Audrey Hepburn, an icon of cinema, fashion and culture in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany‘s performed a piece as romantic as the film itself. Moon River by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer was created for the scene where Holly (Audrey Hepburn) sits at the window with a guitar and sings softly with a thoughtful expression on her face. The dreamy song fits perfectly into the complex character of Holly, who herself doesn’t know what she is looking for in life.
1. Dirty Dancing – I’ve Had the Time of My Life
Half hate the movie, calling it cheesy and low-budget, the other half love it for its love story, dose of dance and soundtrack. However, it is hard to deny, even for the greatest cynics, that the song I’ve Had the Time of My Life is a true classic. Listening to the song itself, you can guess the plot of the film. A young girl (Jennifer Grey) falls in love with an older boy (Patrick Swayze) during summer vacation. Their love is not accepted by Baby’s father (Jerry Orbach) but that doesn’t stop them. They show their feeling in front of everyone during the last dance at the Kellerman’s resort with the song I’ve Had the Time of My Life and an iconic lift up.
By Lilia Hadj Said
Feature Image Credit: FullSoundtracks