CNN´s Screening Room have put together a list of their top ten music moments in film - it´s not a list of great soundtracks, just those “quintessential movie moments where a song flawlessly complements or enhances the action”.
Steppenwolf´s Born To Be Wild bags the top spot for the opening sequence to Easy Rider, while Stealers Wheel´s Stuck In The Middle With You comes in at number two for the ear-slicing moment in Reservoir Dogs. For many, this song is synonymous with that act of violence and, of course, Mr. Blonde´s little dance that precedes it. Here´s the full top ten…
10) Trainspotting (1996) - Lust For Life, Iggy Pop
The scene: Choose Life voiceover
9) Dr Strangelove (1964) - We´ll meet again, Vera Lynn
The scene: Nuclear apocalypse
8) The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) - Needle In The Hay, Elliot Smith
The scene: Richie Tenenbaum attempts suicide
7) Say Anything (1989) - In Your Eyes, Peter Gabriel
The scene: Lloyd tries to woo Diane
6) Almost Famous (2000) - Tiny Dancer, Elton John
The scene: On the tour bus the band sing along to Tiny Dancer
5) Muriel´s Wedding (1995) - Waterloo, ABBA
The scene: Muriel and Rhonda triumph at a talent contest
4) Apocalypse Now (1979) - The End, The Doors
The scene: Captain Willard waiting for an assignment in Saigon
3) Goodfellas (1990) - Layla, Eric Clapton
The scene: Jimmy´s murder spree montage
2) Reservoir Dogs (1992) - Stuck In The Middle With You, Stealers Wheel
The scene: Mr. Blonde cut´s a man´s ear off
1) Easy Rider (1969) - Born To Be Wild, Steppenwolf
The scene: The opening sequence
It´s an interesting list, but does it just prove that a classic tune could make any movie sequence memorable?
