10 Music Films You Should Have Seen

(20.05.2022)

English Translation by Edward Lee

Even the very first silent films at the beginning of the 20th century could not get by without music. Since the first feature-length ‘Talkie’, The Jazz Singer, in 1927, good music has been an integral part of film.

For us as musicians, however, it is particularly interesting when we reverse the terms ‘film’ and ‘music’, and focus on the genre 'music films'. Here the music is the subject of the film, be it in the form of a musician's biography or a musical film, and each and every film provides numerous musical numbers. Ten members of the #StrettaSquad recommend their favourite music films, and every single one is an absolute must-see!

Film Music at Stretta:

• StrettaCast – Film Music: From Brünnhilde to Blade Runner
• Film Music – Sheet Music
• Film Music Favourites – Sheet Music

Hair (1979)

by Astrid Baur

It’s 1967, the Vietnam War is raging, resistance is rife on the streets, and the author duo James Rado and Gerome Ragni find inspiration: “The wonderful feeling that we felt in the streets during a turbulent moment in history” was the catalyst to writing the musical Hair (1968). Ten years later, director Miloš Forman and composer Galt McDermot filmed the musical, and created one of the most unique music films.

The film tells the story of a young American torn between his patriotic duty to fight for his country and his developing fascination and deep bond with his new hippie friends. In this tense setting, they embark upon many adventures, even including being arrested. Unfortunately, due to crossed wires at the end, the film takes a tragic turn.

Despite the very serious topic, the music can’t help but put you in a good mood! You simply have to dance on a table to “I Got Life” or sing “Good Morning Starshine” at the top of your voice, flying down the highway in the sunshine in a convertible. There is so much incredible music and there are so many wonderful messages in this film, which are still surprisingly relevant today, that one can only say: watch it now, and “Let the Sunshine in”...

Blues Brothers (1980)

by Juliane Klauß

“Everybody needs somebody…”

If you see two men in suits and sunglasses, and you don't immediately think of the Men in Black, then you've come to the right place. Brothers “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues go through thick and thin together to raise money for the orphanage in which they grew up. Due to terrible tax debts, the orphanage is supposed to be shut down in 11 days. Jake and Elwood offer their help, and do whatever it takes to raise the money. So the Blues Brothers bring their old band back together, and perform in lots of different clubs. The film shows us, in a charming and entertaining way, all that can go wrong.

With well-known music from greats like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, and film icons like Steven Spielberg and Carrie Fisher, there is so much to see and listen to in this feature film.

Fun fact: The band actually formed in the late '70s for a sketch on the American show Saturday Night Live. With ever increasing success, they performed outside the show, and subsequently recorded their first album, which they took on tour. The film of the same name, dedicated to the Blues Brothers followed in 1980.

The Pianist (2002)

by Katharina Uziel

In The Pianist, director Roman Polański sensitively traces the celebrated Polish-Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman’s struggle for survival in a besieged Warsaw in the Second World War. Polański paints a picture without pathos, and Szpilman ends up living in the ruins of the city, yet he never loses his dignity.

The Polish ‘national composer’ Frédéric Chopin's piano music shrouds the film like a haunting memorial, denouncing the devastating destruction and immeasurable suffering of war. It seems utterly impossible to remain indifferent when Polanski portays the whole gambit of human abilities, from the flawless beauty of music, to the bestial ferocity of war in The Pianist.

The School of Rock (2003)

by Edward Lee

What makes this great family film starring Jack Black such a classic? Why does is rock? And what can we learn?

The School of Rock is the story of a washed-up ‘wannabe’ rock star Dewey Finn, as he struggles to fulfil his musical dreams, and make ends meet.

What makes it rock, is that the music is absolutely at the forefront of the drama. Not only does it feature timeless classics by Led Zeppelin, Stevie Nicks, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, David Bowie, Cream, the list goes on, but it also shows Dewey writing, creating and rocking with the students.

Rock legends meet young talents, students create, and Dewey rocks. This is a fun, educational film for all rock lovers. In the words of Dewey Finn: “…and we shall teach rock and roll to the world. There’s no way you can stop the School of Rock.”

Les Choristes (2004)

by Stephanie Hanf

The scene is post-war France, an assistant teacher Monsieur Mathieu arrives at a boarding school for boys with learning difficulties, where the headmaster leads a tough regiment with beatings and detention as punishments. Mathieu is immediately deeply opposed to these strict educational methods. He soon sets up a choir, and with the help of the music and his friendly manner, he gradually gains the trust of the students.

In a life full of harsh strokes of fate, music gives the boys a small piece of security. After all the rejection they have experienced, they feel seen and respected again.

In short: this is a moving film, with touchingly beautiful music, that shows that life's challenges can be mastered more easily with love, hope and optimism.

Walk the Line (2005)

by Florian Boberski

The biopic tells the tale of country legend Johnny Cash. The tragic, untimely death of his brother, the resulting father-son conflict, his rise and success as a musician, marriage, divorce, drug addiction, religion and his relationship with the equally famous June Carter paint the picture of his colourful life.

As a fan of Johnny Cash and music of the 50s and 60s, the film is an absolute must-see.

What's particularly special here, is that the main actors don't just mime along to playbacks of original songs, but they actually make music themselves. Joaquin Phoenix learned to play the guitar for his portrayal of Johnny Cash, and Reese Witherspoon, as June Carter, learned the autoharp, they both sing, and they celebrate this country music dream couple in their very own, individual way. Simply a joy to behold!

Bonus tip: If you’re a fan of slapstick movies, then check out Walk Hard, a hilarious parody of all music biopics, closely modelled on Walk the Line.

La La Land (2016)

von Maarten Reumkens

La La Land (2016) is a romantic, dramatic musical film about the love between jazz pianist Sebastian and aspiring actress Mia.

The film is set in modern day Los Angeles, but clearly evokes the atmosphere of the ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood of the 1950s, both visually and musically. The film was shot in a wider 2.55 Cinemascope aspect ratio, and the colours are also reminiscent of the bright Technicolor productions of the 50s.

Justin Hurwitz' musical numbers and beautiful arrangements are powerful, compelling, and also harken back to the successful musical films of the past, such as Singin’ in the Rain (1952).

With a modern touch, they masterfully express the ardour and passion of the main characters, and transport us into the magical world of La La Land...

A Star is Born (2018)

by Eleonora Paolin

Rebooting a classic is far from a guaranteed success, but the re-make of A Star Is Born was an instant classic. It's the story of a ‘rising star’, young Ally, played by Lady Gaga, and the downfall of another, the country rock singer Jackson Maine, played by Bradley Cooper, who drowns his sorrows in alcohol.

The psychological depth of this film gives it a special meaning. The song “Shallow” is a psychological anthem, expressing the real meaning of the film: looking beyond the surface. Lady Gaga is very convincing as Ally, having built her career on a somewhat provocative image, she sheds it all, and shows great vulnerability.

The film is not just a love story, but a reflection of today's world and human weaknesses. The ending adds even more pathos, and awakens in us the desire for change, in ourselves and in society as a whole.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

by Cathrin Rahn

Nearly 50 years after Queen was first formed, this biographical drama follows the life of the eccentric yet brilliant lead singer Freddie Mercury from the humble beginnings of the band, to appearing worldwide on Live Aid six years before his death.

Even if there are one or two historical discrepancies, the film impressively conveys the inner and outer conflicts of the singer, born Farrokh Bulsara, not the least due to his homosexuality and his conservative upbringing. The band's music, which accompanies a large part of the film, almost making it a virtual concert, is immortal to this day, and Rami Malek received an Oscar for his impressive portrayal of Freddie Mercury.

Hamilton (2020)

by Fenja Schmidt

Hip-hop, rap and R&B – these contemporary musical styles rarely feature on Broadway.

The world of the musical was stylishly broadened in 2019 with Lin-Manuel Miranda's production of Hamilton. Fluent language, rap-id tempos and talented rhetoric are all part of the main character Alexander Hamilton’s tool box, one of the founding fathers of the United States.

We see his immigration to New York, his fight for acceptance and American independence, his rise to Adjutant to George Washington and Secretary of the Treasury, all the way to his death by duel. A lot of history is packed in, leaving no time to fact-check in this fast-paced musical.

The well-established film music tool, the ‘leitmotif’, helps us maintain an overview. Concise melodies are linked to characters, and help us through spectacular time lapses, as well as parallel portrayals of inside and outside scenes.

Thomas Kail brought this musical to the big screen in the summer of 2020. He used film recordings of two live performances with the original cast, and a few special outtakes, and artfully put it all together to create this music film. Hamilton is especially recommended for all those who are not yet musical fans, and for all hip-hop avoiders!