The High Score

I would consider myself a fairly well versed movie buff. Granted I have a life outside of the theater and my DVD player, but as activities go, I tend to rank watching movies pretty high.

There are not many films I discriminate against. I am an enthusiastic “Saw” and “Harry Potter” fan, I worship Alfred Hitchcock and the classics, I enjoy both low brow comedy and intellectual commentaries, and I will admit to having seen “Love Actually” a few to many times. Every genre has something new to offer. Every style keeps things exciting. Ask a film buff what their favorite movie is, and they will probably say something like, “Off of which top ten list?”

Some buffs fixate on directors or actors. They may own the complete works of Tarantino or Kubrick. Hard-core Johnny Depp fans will have seen all five seasons of “21 Jumpstreet” and know all the words to “King Crybaby.” Others are obsessed with special effects, others with the writing.

And my poison? The composers. It may or may not be something that stands out to other people, but for me, the music is everything. Music has always been a big influence in my life, and when it comes to my favorite movies, the score is a deal maker.

Imagine the famous “Psycho” shower scene without Bernard Herrmann’s haunting string theme, “Chariots of Fire” without the stirring piano fanfare of Vangelis, or the opening of “Star Wars” without the strong chords of John Williams. It is probably the most exciting classical music you will ever hear.

James Horner, Hans Zimmer, John Williams and Danny Elfman are household names, and I follow them like a groupie. My iTunes genius has now created a play list for classical music alone. Not many college students have that in common.

These songs are great for just about anything – driving, meditation, exercise, or background music for homework or chores. These are a few of my favorites that circulate in and out of my play lists.

Titanic
“Hymn to the Sea”- James Horner
It is a well known classic, a staple for your classical film soundtrack play list. James Horner is a personal favorite of mine for his ability to capture raw emotion. The melancholy bagpipes are perfect for some deep introspection, or a big cry.

Napoleon Dynamite
“Music for a found Harmonium” - Simon Jeffes

To break up the classical vibe, the main theme from Napoleon Dynamite is more fusion between folk rock and pop music. It is a surprise coming from a film as forgettable as this one. But “Muisc for a Found Harmonium” is a great track for a walk or jog on a sunny day.

Little Miss Sunshine
“The Winner Is” - Mychael Danna

It almost seems out of place when you watch “Little Miss Sunshine”, but having this song on your Mp3 player is a must. Like Horner, Danna’s music is great for meditation or reflection, and even a long drive.

The Lion King
“This Land”, “...To Die For” - Hans Zimmer
In this case, I cannot pick just one. The entire “Lion King” soundtrack is worth owning. Elton John singing “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” is a personal favorite. While “This land is a beautiful slow classical piece, “…To Die For” is much more intense.
Recognizable from the stampede scene, this song is one for driving. Picture the stampede behind you on East Cotati Ave. Priceless.

American Beauty
“Dead Already” - Thomas Newman
A unique score for a unique film. Aside from perfectly capturing the essence of “American Beauty”, the strange synth is oddly fun to run to. Since running becomes such a quest for Lester in the film, it inspires listeners to “look good naked” as well.

There is a song for everything you do, and what better music to have in the background than the songs that were designed for it.