Kendra Brea Cooper
Music is a staple in visual storytelling. Tunes are emotional signals that have their own magic in film. Here are six movie scenes where the music was unforgettable
Tarantino is famous for music placement in his films. When six strangers are brought together for a jewelry heist, their confidence is quickly smashed when all goes wrong. This slow motion intro is like the cool and calm before the storm. With the song “Little Green Bag” by George Baker Selection, the scene is an expression of their freedom from doubt in the outcome of their day. But you know what they say about best laid plans.
“You met me at a very strange time in my life”. Fight Club is a mens only club in search of validation in masculinity through violence. It’s set up as a resistance to the system. The narrator and Marla Singer hold hands while watching the skyscrapers come crashing down. The Pixies serenade them with "Where is My Mind?" in romance and revolution.
Only Sebastian would have such an epic funeral. Kathryn’s games had caught up to her in an ending that was actually bittersweet for viewers. When Kathryn opens up the doors of the church to see the crowd outside staring at her, Sebastian’s funeral turns into the death of her good girl reputation.The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" plays while Annette leaves town in his car. She puts on his glasses giving him a second life.
Frank the bunny is probably the most recognizable character in this cult classic. This main character, Donnie, is the perfect troubled teenager. It’s a mind bending time travel flick with a dark edge. “Mad World” by Gary Jules is the perfect melancholy song that rips the false wide open leaving only the raw and honest. This movie does the same thing.
Anyone who has ever worked a mindless job in an office knows that the printer is a time sucking enemy. Office Space is the hilarious anti-work fantasy. This scene is cathartic for anyone who has struggled with a piece of equipment at work. If you’ve had to fight with a printer like I have, you’ll probably stand up and cheer. The printer beating is like a symbolic release from the 9 to 5. The song "Feels Good to Be a Gangsta" by Geto Boys is like a juxtaposition to the men in office wear. This makes it even more entertaining.
This is one of the most memorable teen movies from the late 90s. It was adapted from Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”. Patrick tries to win over hot tempered Kat with a serenade in front of a bunch of students on the sports field. Needless to say, it works. I’m not sure if there was ever a passionate public serenade that hasn’t worked. Especially if the song sang is “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Frankie Valli.
Pop culture and all that ideology sitting in the blind spot. Also crafts.
