Music to Blog To

North by Northwest- by Alfred Hitchcock

"Prelude"- conducted by Joel McNeely performed by Slovak national Symphony 

Prelude is the music used at the beginning of the film North by Northwest. The film is a mystery thriller based on the president of mistaken identity. The film follows an advertising executive (Roger Thornhill) who is mistaken for someone else by foreign spies. In the opening credit we are treated to prelude, which correlates great with the story line about to follow. You sort of receive a James bond type feel because the music is quick, sharp and makes the credits seem like they’re leading to something very suspenseful. It very interesting to analyze the soundtrack choice for this film because you see that without any dialogue and just music the story moves along just fine. I think that the director and producer of this film did a great job at putting music and scenes together. The prelude like its name sets up the audience for what’s thought to be one of the best thriller movies in history.

Punch-Drunk Love-Paul Thomas Anderson

"He needs me"- music by Jon Brion

First, id like to start by saying this is a must watch film for any romantics. Secondly this song has to be one of the softest and relaxing melodies out there. This song is used in the soundtrack of the film Punch Drunk love starring comedian and actor Adam Sandler and Actress Emily Watson. The scene in which the music is used is the most powerful scene in the movie where Lena races towards Barry and instead of shaking his hand like Barry intends they embrace in a heart warming kiss. The music is ideal and relaxing even though her walk is fierce you the music entails that there is a sense of urgency but with a happy tone. The music plays trough their kiss in which only they are lost in while the crowds behind them keep moving. This applies to the symbolism of the film and what the values it represents are. What helps create a powerful scene is you are captivated by the beautiful tune playing yet you are only visually able to see two silhouettes embrace and kiss. The scene is wonderful it stirs up many good feeling that’s why these films are often dubbed "feel good movies". The song choice is perfect it sets the tone for the scene because the melody gives you a relaxing vibe and really captures the scene for what it is love and a long awaited kiss.

The Godfather- Francis Ford Coppola

"The Baptism"-Music by Nino Nota and Carmine Coppola

 We open with a scene that establishes a new dynasty for the mob and what better music to execute a blood bath of murders than "The Baptism". "Wow" is my first thought and amazing scene music choice and editing by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Their is little introduction to be done here with this cult classic and favorite, headline by the amazing Al Pacino as Michael Corleone and his father the best actor of all time Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone. The scene, for those not to familiar, starts with the soundtrack of church music playing and a baptism-taking place. Flash before your eyes Michael Corleone renouncing all sins and excepting the father as his lord and savior. A few edit cuts here and there and we have the bloodiest Baptism ever brought to film. Wonderful scene cuts give us a view of all the hits being executed by Michael’s henchmen. The music in the scene makes you think here’s this guy son of the mob praying accepting the lord and changing his ways. The music lures you into this false sense of belief when "bam" Shotgun to the eye, machine guns to a sexing couple, shots to the back shots trough revolving doors all of his enemy’s met with the same fait. This entire happening while you are being suede by the sound of the now daunting "Baptism". The music really brings you to life in this scene as you experience some gruesome murders. I sat there thinking to myself what a perfect way to clear yourself of unwanted people and catch them al in their most vulnerable moments. The film is truly the best the music and scene combine make for the most powerful scenes the eye can bare.

Armageddon-Michael Bay

Don’t Want to Miss a thing- Aerosmith

This song by Aerosmith is a true classic its recognizable everywhere and played one the greatest tracks for a scene in the film Armageddon. The Cast for this picture includes Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck among others. A.j Frost (Ben Affleck) recruited for the mission to save earth from a Texas sized asteroid has fallen in love with Grace Stamper (Liv Tyler). As they spend what could be their remaining days together they sit and chat by a small house near a lake with an amazing view. The car a classic nonetheless, the house is picturesque the two share a special moment and then queue the music. The song tells the story for these two lovers with its title explaining all. "I don’t want to miss a thing" is the story for these two lovers with what seems almost set as his impeding doom A.j Frost is preparing to embark on a mission that will more than likely cost him his life. The two share a moment of playfulness and deep stares as the music begins to play in the background. The song was instantly number one on Americas Top One hundred. It is also known as Aerosmith’s best hit. The music and this scene go perfect together as they both collaborated to make this a perfect hit. The song is a personal favorite although id never admitted to any of my friends because it was one of the first pictures I saw in theaters growing up. I think as a child I was blown away by the intensity and the power of the scene. The situation seems grim and everything was very depressing and then the music takes you over that last bar in which you can no longer control your emotions. The music and the scene are a perfect blend because they help each other and cause the audience to feel for both characters. Great film, great soundtrack and personal favorite a must watch because you wont want to close your eyes and miss a thing.