The Perfect Score # 1

I recently revisited some of the soundtracks in my record collection and it got me thinking how much a well composed score can influence a scene, or even an entire movie. There are many classic soundtracks and even more songs that will forever be associated with single scenes in a film. Obvious examples could include "Stayin' Alive" (Saturday Night Fever), "You Never Can Tell" (Pulp Fiction), "In Your Eyes" (Say Anything) or "Don't You (Forget About Me)" (Breakfast Club). There are also instrumental scores and themes that will automaticly draw you to a movie title or scene. The themes from "The Godfather", "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" or "Jaws" are all valid examples.

Here are some moments where the music has played a key part in making the scene memorable, and proving how much a well crafted score can influence the art of filmmaking.

The Shawshank Redemption - Andy arrives at Shawshank
Frank Darabont's 1994 classic has many memorable moments. No one perhaps more strong and impressive than this scene in the films first act. Serving both as an introdution to Morgan Freeman's character Red and the spectactular fortress where our two main players are confined for most of the movie. Thomas Newman's score plays over Roger Deakins' stunning cinematography perfectly. Simply breathtaking.
The best part: About 30 seconds in as the camera passes the bus and begins its climb over the prison walls.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab4GtCg4r-o

Sunshine - Capa's jump
Danny Boyle's 2007 space odyssey is one of the most overlooked classics of the past decade. The film both looks and sounds great, and John Murphy's epic score plays a big part. At no point more than in the films climax, as Cillian Murphy's Robert Capa as the only remaining survivor has to abandon his vessel. The intensity of Murphy's performance and the dramatic overture blends together with overwhelming effect.
The best part: At 3:05 as Capa takes his leap and Boyle isolates his scream to let the music guide his fate. Absolutely superb.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clG_1sqOsBs&feature=relmfu

The Life of David Gale - The videotape
Alan Parker's 2003 film certainly has its flaws and failed to convince both critics and audiences ten years ago. There are still qualities to enjoy though, in particular the music from Jake and Alex Parker. Their theme "Almost Martyrs" stood out as the soundtrack's strongest, and has since been used plenty in trailers and promos. As Kate Winslet's reporter Bitsey Bloom finds a videotape that will finally reveal the accomplice in the murder of a female activist and prove her theories wrong, the music has tremendous impact. A bit pompous and melodramatic sure, but the effect is thrilling never the less.
The best part: At 1:20 when Bloom's worst fear proves to be true.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CItKToiwvoE&feature=related

Inception - Cobb returns home
Director Christopher Nolan has always been clever with his use of score to describe emotion and mood. 2010's Inception was the best film of the year according to this writer and Nolan once again turned to veteran composer Hans Zimmer for music duties. After their mission's climax, Leonardo DiCaprio's Cobb and his crew returns home and against all odds reunites him with his children. Zimmer's grande orchestration and heavy arrangements make for a powerful listen on its own, but set against pure movie star quality such as DiCaprio it becomes a different animal entirely.
The best part: When Cobb makes his way out of the airport at 1:45, the electric guitars come in, and he passes his associates on his way to the start of his new life. And at 2:55 when we go nearly silent - to equal effect.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icXizIos4dw

Friday Night Lights - The defeat
This classic sports flick from 2004 by Peter Berg features a soundtrack by instrumental rock outfit Explosions In The Sky. There are many memorable moments and themes in the film, but none more powerful than in this scene. Having finally reached their state final the Panthers fail to win the championship and have to watch their opponents celebrate. The music is simple yet heavy and the guitar driven score has an emotional core and sensitive heart, just like the young men who come together in defeat.
The best part: Around 1:55 the players console each other just as the drums kick in. Perfect melancholy.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHJVJ_MEyQI