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Hello! Welcome to the first edition of Filmonochromantique's Top Ten. Obviously, from the name itself, this will be a top ten list of films, or at least anything related to or about it, where I rank them from the tenth place up to the first place, that's why I call it the Top Ten list; not the Top Twenty, not the Top Five. I
plan on doing this
monthly. For July, the theme will be songs that are used as soundtrack in movies. First and foremost, let's take a look at the guidelines I used in choosing, judging and ranking the songs:
A. The song is IN the film(s)Sorry. This criteria is stupid. Anyway, the song need not be originally written for the movie. So any song that probably got played on the radio or got released in an album AND is heard in a movie can make this list.
B. The ImpactIconic and epic songs gets the nod in this criteria. It measures the impact of the song in my (or the spectator's) standpoint and the level at which the song was able to capture my psyche. It's definitely a bonus if the song made it into my playlist.
C. The IngredientThe context at which the song is used in the film and how it became a part of the movie's identity will affect the songs ranking on this list. How it set up the mood and tone within, parts of, or the big picture of the movie will determine the weight that is to be given for the song.
D. Better film doesn't translate to a higher rankingI rank the songs here, not the films. Although the overall impact of the movie itself could affect the rank I gave the song, this list will still be heavily determined on the account of the merits gained by the songs.
E. I like/love the songThis list are from films that I've seen and songs I've listened to. This is my list. Enough said.
So, without further ado, let's get on with this month's Top Ten: Songs in Cinema.
Note: Click on the song title to watch and listen to it.
10. Blue Velvet - Bobby VintonBlue Velvet(1986) - David LynchWhy is it on the list: How many directors can pick an RnB love song from the 60's, create a movie that is both thrilling and grotesque, and then use the song in the movie in which it will be named after it? Yes, David Lynch can and did that in his masterpiece,
Blue Velvet. The hypnotic effect of this song is as memorable as those staircase shots and behind-the-closet sequences in this film.
"She wore Blue-hooooh Vel-vet.. woh-woooh.. bluer than velvet, was the night.. woh-woh-wooh.. softer than satin, was the light.. from the stars.."9. Extreme Ways - MobyThe Bourne Trilogy:
Identity(2002) - Doug LimanSupremacy(2004) & Ultimatum(2007) - Paul GreengrassWhy is it on the list: The song is definitely as cool and electrifying as the three movies in which it was used. Those synthesized sounds from the song's intro somehow just keeps on whirring again and again (in a nice way) that you can't help it but get clenched by its melody. Oh, and Moby's fuzzy voice rocks. \m/
"I would stand in line for this. There's always room in life for this.."
8. 
My Heart Will Go On - Celine DionTitanic(1997) - James CameronWhy is it on the list: This is probably one of the most successful song-marketed film in history. I mean, if you're watching MTV during those days, there's no way you'll miss Celine Dion's soothing and spellbinding voice singing this epic song. And I remember how hard it is not to be moved by the song during those days (though it really get a bit too cheesy at times). Celine Dion's singing of this song is as perfect as the film's execution. It's definitely no wonder why this film achieved success as enormous as its title.
"Yooou're heeere! There's nothing I fear, and I know that my heart will, go oooh-ooon.."7. Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life - Monty PhytonLife of Brian(1979) - Terry Jones
Why is it on the list: This movie is "So funny it was banned in Norway!".
If, after watching the film, you're not whistling along with this song at those closing sequences, then you're either deaf (who watches films with subtitles) or you just don't know how to whistle. It is, without a doubt, the perfect ending this film could possibly have. And I loved it. Oh, and the Phytons' accent!
"Always look on the bright side of life.. whiff-whuff, whuff-whuff whuff-whuff whiff-whuff.."
6. Tie: Gonna Fly Now - Bill Contiand Eye of the Tiger - SurvivorRocky (Film Series)Rocky(1976) & Rocky V(1990) - John G. AvildsenRocky II(1979), III(1982), IV(1985) & Balboa(2006) - Sylvester StalloneWhy is it on the list: As much as I hate the thought that it's this film that robbed
Taxi Driver its very well deserved Oscars, I really can't blame it for winning because it's basically the Academy's fault. So I'm not going to make the same mistake of failing to recognize the merits that the songs in this films earned. It's almost impossible not to get thrilled and excited when listening to these songs that I can't choose which of the two to include in this list because they basically both become the epic archetypal sports music that can really get you all fired up.
"Fly... fly!!"
"And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night, and he's watchin' us all with the eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeye--of the tiger.."
5. Linger - The CranberriesClick(2006) - Frank Coraci
Why is it on the list: I have a confession to make: this film
almost made me cry. As silly as it seems, I was actually moved by this comedy film. I don't remember exactly why and how, but this film definitely works. And this song by The Cranberries, very much true to its title, lingered in my head after watching the film. So now, I cannot listen to this song without being reminded of that movie. Rhythmic and extremely nostalgic, this song essentially captured my heart and it has been on my playlist ever since then.
"You know I'm such a fool for you oohhh.. You got me wrapped around your finger aahahahaaaah.. Do you have to let it linger, do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger??..."
4. Iris -
Goo Goo DollsCity of Angels(1998) - Brad SilberlingWhy is it on the list: I'm a big fan of the Goo Goo Dolls. And it is this song that skyrocketed them to fame. This is one heck of a powerful and absorbing song and I've been listening to it for almost a decade now since the first time I heard it. It's certainly one of the best songs John Rzeznik has ever written. He said in VH1 Storytellers, and I quote: “I didn’t think that song was gonna even be a hit ‘cause it was in a soundtrack with U2 (and, you know), Alanis Morissette and Peter Gabriel and stuff, I just thought it would be cool to do that. And it’s kind of strange how something that you write from the perspective of another character actually kind of winds up applying to your life and in that case, in that song, a lot of people’s life..”
"And I'd give up forever to touch you.. 'Cause I know that you feel me somehow.."
3. I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing - AerosmithArmageddon(1998) - Michael Bay
Why is it on the list: Just like what a friend once said in his facebook post of the youtube link to the song:
"There's a reason why this video has 65 million views." The hard solid rock performance of the band, the slow and masterful orchestra music execution that'll get you plunged, and Steven Tyler's vocals made this song a
classic for generations and more to come.
"And I don't wanna miss one smile, I don't wanna miss one kiss. I just wanna be with you right here with you just like this. I just wanna hold you close, I feel your heart so close to mine. And just stay here in this moment, for all the rest of time..."
2. 
Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty SpringfieldPulp Fiction(1995) - Quentin TarantinoWhy is it on the list: The first thing I did after watching this film was to look for the title of the song in
that scene between Mia and Vincent and then listen to the whole track again and again. It's very classy and eloquent; that particular scene is one of the most memorable scenes in the movie because of the music and the way Tarantino executed it. Dusty Springfield's sweet, soft and charming voice makes me want to just listen to this song over and over again.
"How well I remember, the look that was in his eyes, stealing kisses from me on the sly. Taking time to make time, telling me that he's all mine, learning from each others knowing, looking to see how much we've grown.."
1. The Sound of Silence - Simon and GarfunkelThe Graduate(1967) - Mike Nichols
Why is it on the list: I simply can't imagine this movie without this song, you see. Dustin Hoffman's enigmatic performance, Mike Nichol's brilliance, and this song by Simon and Garfunkel are the reasons I, like everybody else, love this film so much. This song never fails to give me the chills and shivers down my spine no matter how many times I've watched this movie. The sober mood it creates perfectly complements the film. I ended up humming this song repeatedly like it was a hunger that has to be satisfied. Simply no other song can top the impact it has on me.
"Hello darkness, my old friend. I've come to talk with you again.."And that's it. Hasta la vista! Hopefully, you'll see me next month for another edition of this Top Ten. Thank You! :)
