10 films in which music is important.
Music is an important part of many films, not only musicals. It often expresses emotion and enhances the images. So here are 10 films in which music is important.
Nowhere Boy (2009)
A wonderful story about John Lennon's youth featuring the two most important women in his life before Yoko Ono, his aunt and his mother, and the growing influence of music to cope with his pain. A young boy named Paul McCartney also makes an appearance...The first big role for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff with great performances.
PS There is also a newer film featuring the music of the Beatles, Yesterday (2019). It's also funny but in my opinion not as great as this one.
Begin Again (2013)
A rather unknown gem of a film, telling the story of a young singer and a music producer who are both struggling. Includes charming music, funny moments and some real magic. Besides Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine and James Cordon add to the fun.
Moulin Rouge (2001)
Hard to believe it's been almost 20 years since this film was released. A visual masterpiece by extraordinary director Baz Luhrman, this film retells the story of a writer falling in love with a courtesan in Paris. The film involves many new versions of famous songs of e.g. Madonna and Elton John, making it a very special kind of musical.
La La Land (2016)
Famously NOT winning best picture* after a mixup, this modern musical is a treat for every film fanatic. It references many old musicals such as The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) or Singing in the Rain (1952), and includes many references to Hollywood in general. Composer Justin Hurwitz created magic with many charming reoccurring themes.
*Moonlight of course really deserved that Oscar, and La La Land still won 6 other Oscars, including Best Score and Best Song.
The Sound of Music (1965)
No list of films with or about music can be complete without this beautiful picture. Julie Christie plays a young nun who starts working as a governess* for an officer and his seven children, using music as a way to educate and entertain them. Includes many beautiful songs and unforgettable moments. A must watch if you've never seen this classic!
*Jane Eyre vibes, anyone?
Walk the Line (2005)
One of my favourite musical biographies of all times, this film is based on Johnny Cash's life and music. Joaquin Phoenix portrays the troubled singer in an emotional performance, showing his difficult phases and struggles with addiction as well as his successes and happy moments with his second wife, June Carter Cash (portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in an Oscar-winning performance). Great music, which is all performed by the two actors.
8 Femmes (2002)
A film based on a crime - the master of the house is found dead in bed. But who of the 8 women in his life is the culprit? The audience gets to know all of them, from wife to maid, through their behaviour and their songs. A very special kind of musical by genius director Francois Ozon, who assembles 8 of the greatest French actresses of all generations (among them Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant, Isabelle Huppert & Emmanuelle Béart).
Almost Famous (2000)
A great film about a fictional band on the road to success, and a young man wanting to be a music journalist who accompanies them to write a profile for Rolling Stone. Includes many real rock songs and creates a magical atmosphere, largely thanks to the great all-star cast with Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson and many more.
Grease (1978)
This is probably the first musical I've ever seen, and its songs have remained in my mind ever since - I'm certain that I'm not the only one. Grease is a classic story of a boy and girl in high school, but their coolness factor is not equal. This film lives from its music and dancing, and is still fun to watch today.
A Star is Born (2018)
One of the must successful films about music in recent years, A Star is Born tells the rise of an aspiring singer, while her mentor and lover is rather on the other end of his career. This is of course no novel idea, but a remake.* First-time director and actor Bradley Cooper still manages to bring freshness to the story, and Lady Gaga surprised audiences worldwide with her performance.
*More specifically, a remake of a remake (1976) of a remake (1954) of the original film (1937), starring icons like Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand.
PS: I could have also included Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman or La Vie en Rose - but they are already in my list of Biographical Films. So check them out there...
(Images: IMDB)