My mom is here with me this weekend. We went into Houston yesterday, went to a Messianic Synagogue for Shabbat, ate at the fantastic Aranda's Bakery and walked around the mall with Joel Rudy. Watching Bollywood movies, painting toenails and having conversations. I love my mom.
Today we made a couple of lists. In light of the Oscars and since I am somewhat of a self-diagnosed amateur expert in the subject of movie soundtracks. Here they are:
Top 5 Movie Scores of All Time (in no particular order):
First Knight, Jerry Goldsmith
If you haven't seen this movie you should, it's really good even though it's one of many Arthurian legend based films made. But the score is amazing, sweeping, and lovely. I can listen to the whole thing straight through over and over. You feel more noble and romantic afterwards.
Gladiator, Hans Zimmer
Come on, Hans Zimmer has to make the list. And while he has many soundtracks giving credit to his greatness, Gladiator was our pick because once again, you want to listen to every song, even if you have your favorites. There have been certain soundtracks throughout the years that I have just had to own. This is one of them.
Hook, John Williams
In the movie score world, John Williams is the best of the best. If you get a hold of a collection you will find plenty to rave about. We chose Hook because it tells the story so well, you'll love every song, and there are such strong themes. The pirates, the lost boys, when Peter realizes who he is. Even though we considered the original Star Wars Trilogy it got bumped for Hook because we don't love ALL of the Star Wars music. Hook is of of those soundtracks that invades the soul.
Titanic, James Horner
The movie may be cliche these days, and the composer (Horner) does regurgitate a lot of his old stuff (I could rant about his lack of originality for a while) however, the score for Titanic tells the story and draws you in. And it doesn't sound like all his other stuff. Which all sounds alike. Unfortunately Horner has been way attached to Celine Dion at the hip for several of his movies, so I think he loses some further credit there. But let me say this: when I was in Junior High I didn't even want to see Titanic. Until I heard them playing the soundtrack in dance class and had to find out what it was. Braveheart is amazing too but then he went back, changed two notes in the theme and plugged it into another movie. Oops, I said I wouldn't rant. My bad.
Meet Joe Black, Thomas Newman
Great movie, great score. I love a good minor chord progression and Thomas Newman is a master. If I were making a movie he would be my pick for composer. He's different and quirky but manages to overwhelm you with his haunting melodies. I love that.
Top 5 Movie Soundtracks (score and compilation, no specific order)
Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman
Incredibly gifted Indian composer A.R. Rahman bridged the gap between East and West with his music for Slumdog. That first scene where Jamal flashes back to his childhood and the kids are playing cricket. O...Saya begins and you are there, completely in the movie, with these slum children running from the cops through the streets of Mumbai, through alleys, over roofs, colors, people. It's incredible and the whole soundtrack is that way. Excellent storytelling through music.
Moulin Rouge!, Craig Armstrong
Hardly needs explaination. The movie wouldn't have worked any other way. Regardless of it's less than welcome reception by the Powers That Be in Hollywood, Moulin Rouge! sparked a new age for musicals in American cinema. How fun is it to hear some of your favorite songs being used to tell a story? Or as in my case, years later you hear a song on the radio and think "Finally! That's one of the songs they used in Elephant Love Medley, now I know!" Kudos to all the actors for doing their own singing.
Penelope, Joby Talbot
Great movie and music that really painted a picture and fit the style of the film well. Fairy-tale meets modern-indie. Both the movie and soundtrack come highly recommended. Props to Joby's parents for giving their kid an awesome name as well.
500 Days of Summer, Mychael Danna and Rob Simonsen
One of the best compilations. Each song is well chosen to fit the story and engage the listener. There isn't a single song on the soundtrack that I don't enjoy.
Jodhaa Akbar, A.R. Rahman
You've probably never seen it (you should) or heard it (you oughta) but this soundtrack is as epic as the movie. My only sadness is that some of the music from the movie wasn't included on the CD so there are only 7 songs to enjoy. Huzzah Mr. Rahman for making the list twice. He's just that good.
Honorable Mention:
Pride and Prejudice, Dario Marianelli
Absolutely beautiful composer who also did Atonement and V for Vendetta. Pride and Prejudice works so well with the story and makes you feel like you're living in Jane Austen's time. Not only that it makes you smarter, as I used to listen to it constantly while studying in college. If I could've put this on the original list I would have but saying the Top 6 Best Movie Scores just sounds wishy-washy.
Schindler's List, John Williams
Haunting, emotional, iconic. For such a movie about the holocaust there could be no other soundtrack. John Williams with more strings and less brass but still fantastic. Thanks mom for pointing this out.
Golden Oldie:
To Kill A Mockingbird, Elmer Bernstein
The world through a child's eyes, the beauty and romance of one of the best books ever. There's a reason To Kill a Mockingbird is on so many required reading lists. It's soundtrack should be on your required listening list. The Main Theme in itself is perfection. Good luck finding the soundtrack though, they're hard to come by.
Okay, this post is long enough. Go forth and prosper, watch the Oscars for me, and as always
Shalom
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