The Five - Scores
Written by Okechi Apakama
Compiled by Okechi Apakama, Jose Castaneda and Kyley Warren
Welcome to another edition of Phoenix Film Festival’s The Five. This day we dove right into the top movie scores. These films were placed based on how well they were composed and how iconic the movie was. There was not an emphasis on listing these films iconically but their impact was definitely taken into consideration. We also tried to move away from animated movies on this list because those were films that could make up another list entirely. In preparation for the Oscars this list should get you into the right vibe for that special day. Without further ado here is a list of the few movies scores that didn’t make the cut; Titanic (1997) composed by James Horner, Jaws (1975) composed by John Willaims, The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1966) composed by Ennio Morricone, Psycho (1960) composed by Bernard Herrmann, and a special recognition to Hans Zimmer and his bevy of music scores.
5. Jurassic Park 1993 composed by John Williams
Take a trip to a park that shows us dinosaurs can exist, this movie’s score will always bring us back to the scene where we are introduced to the world of Jurassic Park. The score excellently balances childlike wonder with the imminent danger that surrounds the island. This feature along with many other great films is composed by John Williams and this will not be the only time you see Williams on this list.
4. Back to the Future 1985 composed by Alan Silvestri
This sci-fi adventure comes in at four on the list with a score that has a very zany feel to it. It is a score that screams adventure and it helps the audience forgo their beliefs about reality. It makes us feel that time travel is possible. Alan Silvestri who also has Forrest Gump and The Avengers movies to his name composed this score and also had a couple of songs on the soundtrack under the same name.
3. Casablanca 1942 by Max Steiner
This classic brought to life an enduring love tell that brought together old classical elements and new (for its time) music. Casablanca’s score can be seen as timeless melody that perfectly matches the tone and feel for the movie. It is widely recognized movie and its score can bring people together from all walks of life.
2. The Godfather 1972 by Nino Rota
This movie score set the look, feel and sound of how we view the mafia. The movie is the reason why so many adolescent teens had huge godfather posters on their wall. The picture’s score was iconic as it set the mold for all Italian mobster movies to come. Nino Rota, who composed the music for this film, he won an Academy Award for his work on The Godfather Part 2 (1974).
1. Star Wars 1977, 1980, 1983 (the first trilogy) by John Williams
There was not much debate when it came to finding number one on our list. This movie transformed generations and the score is ingrained in people’s minds. There probably aren't many people who do not know the theme of Star Wars. This also comes from the incredibly talented John Williams who has 51 academy nominations to his name. Star Wars is not only transcendent movie but it sound and score set the bar for sci-fi action movies to come.
