Popular songs in film can inspire, excite or touch us. They can make us squirm, laugh or cry. Here we count down Clash’s favourites.
Compiled and written by Anna Wilson
Contributors: Ben Hopkins, Paul Weedon, Rob Dabrowski
25. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE : BEETHOVEN’S 9th SYMPHONY
A bit of the old Ludwig Van. “Oh bliss! Bliss and heaven! Oh, it was gorgeousness and gorgeousity made flesh. It was like a bird of rarest-spun heaven metal or like silvery wine flowing in a spaceship, gravity all nonsense now. As I slooshied, I knew such lovely pictures!” Indeed.
AW
24. FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF : THE BEATLES – ‘TWIST AND SHOUT’
Ferris Bueller skips school and embarks on a day of unadulterated joy, one of the highlights of which is singing ‘Twist And Shout’ accompanied by a city-wide dance routine. Paul McCartney was said to love the film, but didn’t appreciate the additional flourishes of brass that were added to the scene.
BH
23. AMERICAN PSYCHO : HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS – ‘IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE’
Discussing the relative merits of Huey Lewis’ discography as he moonwalks through to his pre-prepared living room and an unprepared Jared Leto, the uber groomed satirical monster that is Patrick Bateman hurtles towards a murderous dénouement with MOR appreciative enthusiasm. Evil has never sounded quite so pedestrian.
AW
22. LOST IN TRANSLATION : THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN – ‘JUST LIKE HONEY’
Following that cryptic whisper in Scarlett Johansson’s ear, Bill Murray stares out contemplatively over the Tokyo skyline as he heads back to America alone. Accompanied by the melancholic sound of The Jesus And Mary Chain’s ‘Psychocandy’ opener, few songs successfully encapsulate the tone of a film quite so well.
PW
21. THE LIFE AQUATIC : IGGY AND THE STOOGES – ‘SEARCH AND DESTROY’
Deciding he’s done taking shit from Filipino pirates who have taken his crew hostage and stolen his safe, Steve Zissou duly sets about dispatching his assailants in unexpectedly violent fashion. Substituting any sound effects, The Stooges’ anthem instantly becomes synonymous with the sight of Bill Murray kicking some serious ass.
PW
Stay tuned across this week as the rundown continues.
