An Inspired Blog Title
Liam Stewart
Ten Films or Television shows made better by their soundtracks
Content Curation Post One: Topic Proposal
As my content curation is titled "Ten films or television shows made better by their soundtracks', my format or medium concerns film and television while the theme across all ten examples to come are of course their soundtracks and how the soundtracks for these examples improve the format. Lists like these are clearly subjective, as I have thought about ten examples that stay in my mind long after viewing the film/show, without going for obvious choices such as ten musicals. My films are of various genres, just as the soundtracks are for the sake of variety. My opinions are bound to differ from that of anyone reading my content curation, though that is in a way part of the fun as I am writing this list in order to persuade the reader (that's you) to give the ten films or shows a chance. To be persuasive is only half of the "why" in regards to why I chose this format and theme. The other half of the "why" is simply because it's where my tastes lie. Because I want to write about the subject. I'm sure everyone has seen a film and felt that a particular song 'clicked' or matched well with the scene, whether it be in a montage or as something to make the scene emotive or impactful. It's a sensory experience to me. It helps me to personally feel more immersed in the scene and be engaged at times. Granted, we obviously can't taste, smell or touch a film...but music or sound is important to a scene in much the same way that visuals are. Sometimes acting or special effects are not enough to immerse the audience or guide them to feel a particular way. A well chosen piece of music can tell the audience more about the film through feeling than any of the characters can through dialogue or action. And with a few of the examples listed, people may know the music without having seen the film.
So to recap my proposal, this list is intended to persuade readers of this blog to give ten films/shows a chance because of the way in which they use music. Again, this list is subjective and in no particular order. Choice number ten is not equal to "least favourite" just as choice number one does not equal "most favourite."
Content Curation Post Two: Collection
Number Ten: Star Wars Films - John Williams
I have decided to start with a film score that is well known world wide. People who have not seen the Star Wars films have probably heard at least part of one of the tracks written by legendary composer John Williams. In fact, I could probably have all ten of my content curation choices be John Williams scores as many of his are instantly recognisable. An honourable mention would have to be Jaws, with it's brooding shark theme being something cousins of mine have hummed on the boat during the summer despite not having seen the film. However, staying on topic I would choose Star Wars. How could I not? The music is diverse, capturing every aspect of the story's feel in some way or another from excitement (The Main Theme always gets me excited even while it is just being played over scrolling pre-story text), to curiosity and dreamlike wonder/longing (the Binary Sunset theme as Luke looks off into the sky), to something as fun as the Cantina Band music played in the background. The music definitely elevates the film to a higher level. If I had to choose one track as an example to convince a stranger to watch any of the films, it would be...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfaflnrOkMU
How could anyone not think of Darth Vader without thinking of this? You definitely don't think "good guy" when you hear this.
Number Nine: The Man With No Name/Dollars Trilogy- Ennio Morricone
One word: Grand. Changing genres to the western (for the sake of diversity), I realise this is a tough sell to the average reader. Every track, composed by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, fits perfectly with the trilogy's anti hero loner played by Clint Eastwood. The music selection, full of solitary whistling, moody guitar and occasional horns does a fantastic job to bring mystery to the titular Man with No Name or menace from the villains. The soundtrack(s) take turns being either small scale and teasing, building excitement slowly or flat out grandiose and the centre of the entire scene. I would not know where to start as each film manages to top the one before it in regards to how epic the music becomes. Naturally, this makes sense as the stakes are higher for the characters in each successive film. I imagine the theme for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly has been heard by most people in some variation or parodied somewhere. It encapsulates the films macho and adventurous spirit as you follow the characters quest for gold. However, having to choose only one track to share has led me to think long and hard. It had to be this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOr0na6mKJQ
It starts slowly and just escalates as the scene in which it plays unfolds. It is frenetic and exciting as the films climax nears and the music alone is payoff. So badass and majestic.
Number Eight: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - Various
I've loved Brian Enos music for a long time, which led me to this film aimed at teen audiences. The first film on this list that has a soundtrack that is largely 'unoriginal' in the sense that it is comprised of pre existing songs from various different artists, though a large chunk of the music is from Brian Eno who crafts powerful electronic music. All of the choices fit the films quirky and alternative tone. I'm not a fan of teen films, however this is my go to if I had to watch one. When people talk about The Fault in our Stars, I've always felt like bringing up this film, but don't as I realise I am at risk of going against popular opinion and I don't have the energy for an argument. This film is just better, and strictly not a romance as you are swiftly told in the trailer. I feel it is realistic, from it's portrayal of friendship to its casting of the characters (Greg is quick to tell everyone he has a groundhog face...he's just average looking). It is an independent film, very much anti hollywood I feel in the sense that it de-romanticises everything. The lead character is selfish for much of the film and the characters are not all overly pretentious and world weary dying teens who always think profoundly. Staying on topic, much of the films soundtrack is quirky and fun. However, the standout track isn't fun. It is incredibly moving in the context of the scene it is played in...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCCJc_V8_MQ
A perfect emotional track from Brian Eno's 'Another Green World', used in a film about mates.
Number Seven: Swiss Army Man- Soundtrack written by Andy Hull/performed by Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano
I guess you could call this film quirky too, though that would be an understatement. This is another difficult sell, though for a different reason than the western. While the western genre is not popular anymore, this film is bizarre and over the top if you watch it with a serious mindset. You definitely have to have an open mind while watching this. It is the most creative and imaginative film I have seen in years and the soundtrack is a testament to that. Another independently produced film, the creators clearly had freedom to do whatever they wanted and I enjoyed it immensely. The soundtrack fully captures the childlike wonder, magic and joy found in the story and characters. Largely performed as a capella by the two lead actors (perhaps technically not just vocals as there are drums here and there) you can really tell that there was a lot of fun to be had making a film about a mans friendship with a possibly dead farting corpse (don't think about that sentence too much). The music takes turns being slow and bleak (the cave ballad) to fun and hopeful and whimsical. It's a film that says a lot about friendship through its music as you can see in the trailer alone. It says more with a stupid corpse than most films that take themselves seriously do. Definitely give it a chance if you are open to something a little different.
The standout track is definitely the Montage song...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYCAHIccc8&list=PLGx2eNKydIDTfrKDxYOJ6sXwwF_86CSUA&index=14
It is infectious. Even more so in the scene it is in. Perfectly sells their innocent friendship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrK1f4TsQfM
The trailer...just because. Seriously, it will be one of the most unique things you will see in a while.
Number Six: The Harry Potter Series-John Williams
I swear this is the last time I use John Williams. I struggled to decide between this and Star Wars so I decided 'why not both?' This is my childhood right here. I really don't want to use the words childlike, magic and wonder again but I have to. Though Williams composed for only the first two films, that's enough for me. His are the compositions everyone hums or thinks of when they think of Harry Potter. The early films are even more special for me as they felt the most fun and the music definitely adds to this fun feeling. I'm pretty sure everyone would rather go to the glowing Hogwarts of the first two films rather than the bleak sad Hogwarts of the later films. That's not to say the music (and the first films) don't have serious moments. There's that creepy theme that is played in the Gringotts vault as Hagrid retrieves the Philosophers Stone with Harry. Just chilling, you can tell it is a theme for something unnatural. Also, "The Face of Voldemort" is a tune used brilliantly for the reveal of the villain beneath Professor Quirrels turban (that always scared me as a kid).
The standout theme is obvious though and can only be...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCUNYW_86ro&index=19&list=PLgRVXI5rmojtYrUCSI-CAbxXHwqoG48A0
Who hasn't heard this?
Number Five: Any Quentin Tarantino Film - Various
Is it cheating to have all of the films of one director in this list? Maybe. But Quentin Tarantinos films are undeniably cool, with help from their soundtracks of course. From Reservoir Dogs to The Hateful Eight, the films and their soundtracks ooze fun. These are films that often cover heavy topics such as torture, racism or even Nazi Germany but don't take themselves too seriously. Tarantino seems like a director that knows that the audience just wants to have fun and you can tell through his films that he's telling us "it's fine, it's just a story so don't take it too seriously." From the excessive use of blood and violence as desensitisation to the cheerful and jaunty (and sometimes badass) music from various artists playing in the background we can tell that these are often tongue in cheek films. Tarantino opts for popular music in most cases but is known to use composers also. I think Pulp Fiction may have the best use of music in any of his films, but my favourite example has to be from Reservoir Dogs...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIMg2Xw4_8s
Somewhat graphic. But the music definitely makes that scene better in my opinion. It takes it from disturbing to somewhat humorous in a sick twisted way and gives the film a personality.
Number Four: O Brother, Where Art Thou - Various
Possibly another tough one to sell to the average film goer. Or perhaps only tough to sell to someone like myself, who doesn't usually go for the genre of music in this film which uses a lot of old time-y country and bluegrass. If you had told me that before I saw the film, I probably would have dreaded it. Needless to say, the music fits the story and characters like a glove. Another 'tongue in cheek' film that doesn't take itself too seriously, it is loosely based on Homers Odyssey but set in the south during the Great Depression era. The music reflects both the time period and the long journey that the characters take. It definitely has the feel of an epic but with an eccentric twist. I would almost consider this a musical, as the main characters who escape prison take up a life on the road as a travelling band for some time. It is just a fun movie about a few hicks returning home from prison, their travels and the people they encounter. The word 'just' isn't a negative. It is a movie that knows what it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZtgZ5fHOuU
A song that makes the characters somewhat famous in the story. If their journey had a theme, this would probably be it.
Number Three: Peaky Blinders-Various
This show has personality. As a crime show set in the 1920s you would expect it to have era appropriate music. However, it eschews this expectation altogether and opts for a more contemporary soundtrack. Again, there is a great element of fun in this show, going against the grim colours and industrial backdrop of the setting. I feel as if the soundtrack is necessary to lighten the mood and it goes well with the rough characters, giving them a lot of rock songs and an energetic vibe to walk to. On paper, the characters are downright awful and do violent things, but in the show with the music playing you can't help but respect them. The musical choices give the characters a confident edge. The soundtrack is comprised of mostly Nick Cave music, with some White Stripes, PJ Harvey and many more artists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGD2N5hJ2e0
This made a strong impression for me when I saw the first episode. You definitely cannot be any cooler than Tommy Shelby is when this plays.
Number Two: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy/Middle Earth Movies-Howard Shore
Another series I grew up watching, the music is also a driving factor in the quality of these films for me. The stunning landscape and long quest wouldn't be as grand without the soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. He manages to capture every emotion, changing something that could easily have been a generic action/fantasy soundtrack if it were in the hands of a lesser composer into something beautiful. His themes fit the different locations, villains, races and moments perfectly. The Hobbits have their humble whistles and flutes, the Dwarf mines have rough chanting when the characters are chased by Goblins (and a Balrog) and the elves have mysterious strings in the background. Everything was clearly thought out meticulously just as the films themselves were. The music makes you feel just as you are meant to feel in any given scene. The Shire music always stands out to me as a lovely tune that crops up often...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pGaz_qN0cw
It's beautiful and makes me want to lead that quaint life as a Hobbit. There is a wholesome and innocent quality to it in contrast to some of the more epic or thrilling tracks in the soundtrack.
Number One: 2001: A Space Odyssey-Various (classical)
Having just seen this recently as part of film club, I was blown away by the use of music. It's unlikely that film makers will ever come close to portraying the true depth and awe of space...it's just beyond us. But I think Stanley Kubrick comes close with both the imagery and musical choices. In places I feel as if the story is centered around the music itself. In the opening few minutes the film takes its time, not really getting on with the plot itself but letting the audience sink into the film through the music and blackness of space itself. In places, the music is all that we have to go on as viewers and Kubrick chooses some timeless pieces. Listening to the Blue Danube as we float through space has kept the film as timeless as it is, more timeless than if they chose music more relevant to 1968. The easiest way to say it is that the film has avoided becoming dated because of this (the amazing special effects help too).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVEu20lAm-k&list=PLnpIGDCblPQW3nTFaswp0n8-zC_NM9_Jn&index=2
Everyone knows this song. Without the musical choices the film would suffer.
Content Curation Post Three: Reflection
Overall when I think of my collection and the choices for each place, I'm fairly happy with it. If I had to go back and change anything, I don't think I would. When I was writing the list, more so in the early stages, I thought it would be quite difficult because there are literally so many choices for me and prioritising one over the other could be a dilemma. Perhaps I would have added something like Into the Wild into the list if it was a top eleven or if I could do an honourable mention of some kind, but at the end of the day I am pleased with the choices I made because it rounded up the list well with different genres of music and different genres of film. When I was thinking about my proposal, I imagined at first that I couldn't come up with ten films and their soundtracks because of the lazy notion in the back of my mind that I simply wasn't aware of that many. However, when I was at number four or five, I realised that the issue was somewhat the reverse. The reverse being that I in fact know too many and that it could be tricky to decide. Another issue was that in the proposal I thought I could be incredibly factual and balanced about each film. Then I realised it was going to be less of a 'cool' or 'distant' version of myself writing this list and more of an emotive version seeing as the very subject of the content curation is a passionate one, especially coming from a musical family. I was apprehensive about blogging in general because prior to this class I had no experience. I imagined I would breeze through it with little attachment and pass the course, but realised that my own personal blog should be more unique, so letting myself become more excited concerning each entry helped the listing process. I probably would try to make my future posts ore succinct or to the point. To sum up, I stand by my list and realise that the feel of my content curation is different to the unbiased or factual version that I at first envisioned.
Content Curation Post Four: Peer Response
Response One: Ella-Maree Fairweather
Ella's content curation was on K dramas. This is possibly the list that would not need to try as hard to convince me to watch one. I say this because to me a story is a story and if it is a good one then I will most definitely give it a go. I have seen foreign language films or shows before, with my most recent Netflix obsessions being 'Dark' and 'Train to Busan' (with 'Busan' actually being a South Korean film and my first introduction into Korean media if I am to be technical here). As I read Ella's list, I forgot that they were K dramas which should be viewed in a positive light because I was taken in by the descriptions of the stories which is arguably what matters more than fussing over a language or taking time to read subtitles. Every series has an element that I would enjoy and seem incredibly creative. Even 'Beating Again' seems interesting from a creative standpoint and this is coming from a guy that doesn't go for the romance genre. I haven't heard of a story like that before. Out of the list, I especially want to watch W, Goblin (again a series that seems like it would do something new with 'love'), Bride of the Water God (I love fantasy), Missing Nine, I'm Not a Robot and Cruel City. I feel like some of the choices on this list were made with me in mind.
Response Two: Holly Francis
Holly's content curation was on YouTube tutorials or informative videos. Again, I feel that this is a list that is easy for me to connect with. Everyone in the modern age has looked up a tutorial of some kind on YouTube. I needed help with mathematics in high school and a month or two ago I learned how to iron clothes properly (yes I am shocking) because of YouTube. This is a relatable topic and I can see that Holly was enthusiastic about it. I am probably a little envious as it is a great choice for a content curation. Of course I wouldn't really flock to something to do with eyelashes and egg facial masks, but I was drawn in immediately when I saw the word burger and recipes (a mans gotta eat) and Bermuda triangle (I love conspiracies and often spend my train rides binge-ing them). I found something in common with Holly concerning some of our tastes and agree that YouTube is a great way of finding information nowadays.
Response Three: Brendan O'Neill
Brendan's content curation was on video games. I gravitated towards this in an attempt to make me want to play again. I remember the days of PS2, with Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet and Clank and Guitar Hero. As I've been 'out of the loop' for a while, this was refreshing to read. Because I have no idea about modern games I was open to what he had to say regarding the subject. I have only played The Walking Dead Season 1 out of this list (as I am a fan of the comic book) and based on his choice of that alone I take Brendan's word as fact regarding video games. I can tell he has an excitement regarding the subject and that was fun to read about because it grabbed me. I feel like every game has something in it I would like, especially Red Dead Redemption (westerns will never stop being badass in my opinion), Shadow of the Colossus, Batman: Arkham City (I already like the Dark Knight trilogy of films), Metal Gear Solid 4 and The Witcher 3.