The ultimate power couple: music and film.

by thoughtinvestment.wordpress.com

The symbiosis of music and film is enchanting. Importance of it – undeniable. Effect they create – breathtaking.

Music is my passion, and my constant companion. A group of certain music pieces could be called soundtrack to my life. Strangely enough when I talk to my friends about music that was playing in movies, or pieces that I remember, purchase and often revisit, they (my friends) find this passion of mine odd. Truly, I cannot understand how someone could underestimate the importance of music while watching a movie, maybe none of them have ever actually seen a single movie with sounds edited out. Or, of course, they are simply not into it. I don’t know about you, but I think that soundtrack can make or break the best of film.

So, while sitting through a plane delay and as always enjoying a beautiful piece of music (if you are curious it’s Chez Chanel by Alexander Desplat), I thought I should share with you my favourite soundtracks. It is up to you to take make up your mind if they are deal makers or breakers, if in a mood, you may share your opinions.

For a long time I was a firm believer that no one does music like the classicists did. Never again will the symphonic, melodic and in all ways revitalising sounds be so nicely put together in this day and age. Truly, it was 8-ish years ago when I really started to pay attention to the melodic backgrounds of movies (I guess some time ago I was like my friends, barely tuning my ear for the great extras that come with good films). Then one day my world literary changed; needless to say I became a happier person, with a better playlist to my life.

I highly appreciate the fact that the soundtracks are not only full of new creations but also interpretations of the older classical pieces. It is a great way to introduce listeners to the musical heritage, and hopefully interest them for a longer period of time. Because of even such movies as Tomb Raider people get to ‘see’ old music in a cooler new setting (remember the bungee work-out-flying session Lara did? I do. I also remember that the first thing I wanted to do after seeing the movie was to find out what music accompanied that modern form of meditation, and just for quenching any possible curiosity of yours, it was Lakme: Flower Duet, performed by Adriana Kohukova), and that is great! Many new classics and re-inventions have become my companions in day job routine, trips and evenings. If you won’t mind, I will take some time to introduce you to them.

However, before I continue with the classic tale about classics and their classical greatness, I must highlight the fact that there are many wonderful modern day music compilations that make a great listen. These “bundlings” of popular/indie/rock/whatever are especially well serving when one is on the prowl to find new artists that are trying to make it in the world.

Before continuing, I must not that I especially appreciate pieces that contain solo chanting, Gregorian-esque. Also, I like solo piano performances, as playing piano is a skill I’ve been trying to acquire for the last two years.

I will not rate the examples in any favourite/less so order for each of them is unique and deserves stand-alone appraisal.

(I must firmly note that I do not own a single right to any of the songs, and for a good listen everyone should make a jump to iTunes, or any other wonderland of legal music).

 

The Painted Veil. Composed by Alexander Desplat, some pieces performed by very talented pianist Lang Lang. One of the main themes is the beautiful creation Gnosienne No. 1 by Erik Satie.

 

Elizabeth: The Golden Age. The lovely C. Blanchet is accompanied by lovely AR Rahman’s and Craig Armstrong’s creation. Lots of siren type of singing, my favourite.

 

Tron: Legacy. Whoever thought of inviting Daft Punk to do the music for this futurist picture was a genius, genius (read in French accent).

 

Creation. You have no idea what a rare/scarcely known soundtrack that is. It is practically impossible to find a single piece of it even in youtube. It’s magnificent, breathtaking dream conjured by Christopher Young. So light, so beautiful, one of my all-time favourites. I would love to learn to play it, however it is impossible to find the music notes.

 

Tomb Raider.  Various artists. This one of those great compilations I had mind. You may like it or hate, I personally love it. It’s young, powerful, sometimes a bit mystical and over the top.

 

Nip/Tuck. Various artists. Nip/Tuck was a tv-show that was good for the first few seasons, and later not so much. However, they had a decent soundtrack put together.

 

Meet Joe Black. Thomas Newman did a great thing for this movie. He made it better than it could have ever been on its own, giving us something to enjoy when in need of inner peace.

 

The DaVinci Code. Music by Hans Zimmer. Oh mighty power of music. This is what I am talking about when it comes to modern classics. It’s la crème de la crème of soundtracks. Its powerful, mystical and mythical like heroes of the old;  full-bodied like a good wine and absolutely mesmerising. I said before that I will not do any ranking, but this is truly my very No. 1.

 

Vicky. Cristina. Barcelona. A bit of Spanish flare by various very talented artists.

 

The Memoirs of a Geisha. The light, frail world of Geishas deserve a corresponding soundtrack. Composed by John Williams. Also, a good friend to all Star Wars apprentices.

 

Ricky. By Philippe Rombi. Another rarity deserving attention.

 

Marie Antoinette. Various artists. Sofia Copolla always makes sure that not only the film would be surprising but music also unconventionally flattering.

 

The Great Gatsby. Various artists. This is one of the newest soundtracks that got into. I still have to see how it fairs with me long-term, but for now I see it as a very nice fun music compilation with few very special stand-outs (and I don’t mean Lana del Ray).

 

I could go on for years and years, but I am not sure if anyone is truly interested to hear me out on this any more than I have done already. If you’ve read to this point, thank you very much for it. I have a hope that you might have heard something that you will feel like hearing again sometime.

If you would find it in your heart to share any ideas, please do so. If you want to discuss something, I am here (after all, we are all unique and our tastes differ (thankfully, or else it would be a boring co-habitation)).

I am forever grateful for all lessons and suggestions.