Category Archives: Odds and ends
Sound & Motion Pictures: TV-shows titles part 1
In this third post of my series on music and motion pictures I’d like to focus on TV-shows titles. However I need to split it in two since, well, there are so many and the quality is outstanding. The following ones are my favorite TV-show intros combined with a song that has vocals.
1. True Detectives – Far From Any Road, The Handsome Family (2003)
The graphics are stunning and the song is the perfect complement.
2. True Blood – Bad Things, Jace Everett (2005)
A promise of good (naughty) things to come with a Louisiana small town flavour.
3. The Wire, Way Down In The Hole, Tom Waits (1987)
I like the fact that a different version is used for each season: The Blind Boys of Alabama (1), Tom Waits (2), The Neville Brothers (3), DoMaJe (4) and Steve Earle (5). It illustrates the main theme of the season while keeping the general mood of the show going.
4. Luther – Paradise Circus, Massive Attack (2010)
Sleek and intriguing, a nice introduction to Luther’s life.
5. Vikings – If I Had A Heart, Fever Ray (2009)
A little foreboding but it sets the right mood for the show.
6. Underbelly – It’s A Jungle Out There, Burkhard Dallwitz (2008)
Catchy and to the point.
7. CSI – Who Are You, The Who (1978)
The song is a good oldie and an apt theme for the show.
Filed under Odds and ends, Sound & Motion Pictures
Sense & Sensibility
Sorry to disappoint if you were thinking about Jane Austen and the film. This is my entry to the Five Sense Blogathon, organized by My Filmviews, Karamel Kinema and MovieInsiders. The idea behind it is quite simple and pretty neat: for each of the five senses (Sight, Sound, Taste, Smell and Touch) you describe the film related association you have with it. This can be a particular movie or even a scene, but also something having to do with the movie going experience. So without further ado, here are my five choices:
Sight 
One might say that it’s the prominent sense when one experiences a film and since the dawn of motion pictures there’s been countless visually stunning films, but 2001: A Space Odyssey holds a special place. Kubrick’s masterpiece is captivating beyond words.
Sound 
Western is a classic and beloved genre but Sergio Leone changed the game with A Fistful of Dollars and took it to a very different place. He also changed the sound made by a gun, giving it a unique and unforgettable voice.
Taste 
There are several films/scenes with or about food that come to mind but Babette’s Feast is the one that takes hold and will not let go. The long and precise preparation of each dish, the dedication of the cook and the actual feast are memorable.
Smell
Considering this particular sense I have a double entry: a good smell and a bad one. 
The smell of chocolate is powerful and even overwhelming… Have you ever prepared a Sachertorte? If yes, then you can understand. Naturally Chocolat and its several cooking scenes come to mind. 
On the opposite side of the spectrum but equally overwhelming is the strong odor of an unwashed human body and Lo Chiamavano Trinita’ (They Call Me Trinity) reeks from start to finish.
Touch 
Well, imagine being blind and touching a sleeping tiger… Thomas Harris had a great idea and Michael Mann translated it to the screen beautifully in Manhunter.
Filed under Odds and ends
Sound & Motion Pictures: best James Bond opening credits
Focusing again on great songs/titles combinations, what is more iconic than James Bond’s films? All the songs has been written for the film, usually with the same title, and, especially in the last couple of decades, by famous artists. This is my top five. Honourable mention for: Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney & The Wings), View To A Kill (Duran Duran) and Thunderball (Tom Jones).
1. Goldeneye – Goldeneye, Tina Turner (1995)
Nothing beats Tina’s voice!
2. Casino Royale – You Know My Name, Chris Cornell (2006)
Speaking of voices, I always had a thing for Chris’ and rock just makes it better.
3. Skyfall – Skyfall, Adele (2012)
Hauntingly beautiful.
4. The World Is Not Enough – The World Is Not Enough, Garbage (1999)
The film was kind of crappy but the intro with Shirley Manson & Co. is great.
5. Tomorrow Never Dies – Tomorrow Never Dies, Sheryl Crowe (1997)
Not a big fan of this film either but the song is pretty amazing.
Filed under Odds and ends, Sound & Motion Pictures
Ramblings of a cinephile 