The greatest supporting role in any movie.
A movie can often be enhanced and improved with a well chosen soundtrack, while a scene’s transformation from being great into truly unforgettable is arguably secured by its choice of song.
With that in mind, here are some crackin' examples where the two art-forms come together.
*SPOILER ALERT*, but sure we're all friends here.
Movie: Watchmen
Scene: The brilliant opening sequence
Song and artist: The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
Upon its release, Zack Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel Watchmen divided opinion among casual and hardcore comic book fans alike. It definitely had some great tunes though, especially this memorable intro scene.
https://youtu.be/1X7aaUf5Fjw
Bob Dylan soundtracking an alternate history is a pretty reliable recipe for cinematic magic. Add to Snyder's trademark camera work/visuals and you're onto a winner.
Movie: In Bruges
Scene: Brendan Gleeson’s incredible self-sacrifice
Song and artist: Raglan Road by The Dubliners
The 2008 cult classic is not renowned for its soundtrack but it's a remarkable film as
seen by our tribute. In fact, the sound of Luke Kelly’s voice comes out of the blue when Gleeson’s character Ken runs into a bit o' bother.
https://youtu.be/1FkW3ASq6G0
This scene lives and dies on the performance of Gleeson though because you can almost feel Ken’s anguish when the fog blocks his view to the ground and he is left with only one choice.
For a comedy, albeit a dark one, it’s one of the most poignant moments in modern movie history.
Film: Pulp Fiction
The scene: Jack Rabbit Slims
Song and artist: You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry
Some scenes have the power to re-introduce a new generation to a classic tune and this is one of the finest examples. With this iconic scene in Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino just makes you want to dance and it's impossible not to be swept along.
https://youtu.be/jYID_csTvos
And you may know, John Travolta is a highly skilled dancer which was one of the main reasons why Tarantino cast him in his masterpiece.
Movie: Withnail & I
Scene: Driving to London scene
Song and artist: Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix
The guitar of Jimi Hendrix is used more than once in Withnail & I, and for good reason, too.
This film is the very definition of a cult-classic and Voodoo Child perfectly encapsulates the sheer chaos of what's going down around the characters.
https://youtu.be/uw0Za8Dhpms
Funnily enough, Richard E. Grant got drunk for the very first time in his life to prepare for the role of Withnail.
That's impressive dedication to your craft right there.
Movie: Trainspotting
Scene: Renton does a runner through the streets of Edinburgh
Song and artist: Born Slippy by Underworld
The sheer energy, buzz and iconography of this movie is matched by its cracking soundtrack. You could pick any number of scenes where the tunes are absolutely on the money.
For this particular scene, Born Slippy feels like it's the only suitable candidate in a moment where music and film are together in perfect harmony.
https://youtu.be/W9ZNKGrpnKM
When Renton decides to go for it, the audience collectively holds its breath as he goes to steal the bag from Begbie.
For the love of God, don’t wake him up, being the main thought of the viewers.
Movie: Snatch
Scene: Brad Pitt’s ring entrance
Song and artist: Fuckin’ in the Bushes by Oasis
Critics of Guy Ritchie’s second directorial effort often accuse the movie of gravitating towards style over substance but there are moments of absolute quality here.
The lead up to Mickey’s final fight is one of them as it manages to find the perfect song to get the adrenaline pumping as your nerves start to kick in.
https://youtu.be/kE11QxfzC68
It takes a hard man not to get excited when Brick Top demands, “Now, let’s have a f***ing fight” followed quickly by that Oasis instrumental as we follow a brash Mickey into the ring.
Movie: Apocalypse Now
Scene: The intro scene
Song and Artist: The End by The Doors
Apocalypse Now makes no bones about the harsh realities of war because nobody comes away without their traumas. In this first scene, Captain Willard is the very definition of a broken man.
It sounds crazy, but Martin Sheen wasn't even acting here. This was Charlie Sheen's father, filmed on his birthday, struggling with alcoholism and letting his inner demons out for the world to see.
https://youtu.be/bU0DxJVWhGw
Smashed mirrors and bloodied hands make this scene incredibly memorable and it's testament to Coppola's skill as a director that there's even a specific Apocalypse Now version of The End recorded. That's a serious tribute to the score.
So, there you have it folks. Let us know if we've left any gems out.
