No, this isn’t intended to be a definitive list. There are dozens more that I’ll think of later, but here are twelve musical scenes—two of them opening scenes; one a conclusion—that make me happy.
- Amadeus. The transition is stunning. One of the most gorgeous films ever, and a stunning achievement in, thanks to F. Murray Abraham, dark humor.
- Pretty Woman. Speaking of musical geniuses, I give you Roy Orbison. I love the reactions to Julia Roberts’ grand exit from the hotel, especially from Hector Elizondo, such a fine actor. It’s sweet moment of vindication.
- Midnight in Paris: The Sidney Bechet song is perfect. Just as perfect is the lighting—is it a filter? Is it post-production digital editing?— Allen uses to record the Paris street scenes.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Not necessarily my favorite film, but this moment is sheer joy. The beer-maiden dancers on the float are cool.
- I Walk the Line. I think this is what they mean by the term “courtin’ and sparkin.’”
- Marie Antoinette. I have always loved this Bow Wow Wow song. And the royal wigmaker and his entourage make such a grand entrance!
- Swing Kids. Such a great song. And this scene doesn’t even show the best dancer of the lot: Christian Bale can move!
- O Brother Where Art Thou. The “reveal” moment in one of my favorite films; one that reminds me (Places in the Heart is another) of the upbringing my Dad might’ve experienced. Vocals by Union Station.
- Michael. The best soul song ever? The Archangel Michael busts some moves as only Travolta can execute them.
- Sunshine on Leith. I found this charming scene, filmed in Edinburgh, just last week. It’s such a joyful song—and it was a 1980s Scots duo, The Proclaimers, who wrote and performed “Five Hundred Miles.” The young male lead, George MacKay, would star in a much different film, 1917.
- Working Girl. The appearance of the Twin Towers breaks your heart, but this is a long excerpt because this Carly Simon song is so glorious, and the sweeping Mike Nichols shot, from the top of the Statue of Liberty to the inside of the ferry, is a masterpiece.
12. Love Actually. This is the Beach Boys’ incredible secular hymn; leaving the stars behind for the airport reunions of “real” people was such an inspired and touching way to end the film. It was them, not the film’s protagonists, who left me teary-eyed at the end.
If you click on the link below the line, a video will show excerpts from the films I mention.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RnA28LXb268xe4EPRxznL0jf1Mz0NYun/view?usp=sharing
A Work in Progress 