I finally got around to seeing Les Miserables (2012) the other night and I thought it was solid,
but nothing too innovative. Anne Hathaway did blow me away with her performance
as Fantine and “I Dreamed a Dream.” The film and Hathaway’s performance in
particular made me think of my other favorite numbers from movie musicals. Here
they are, in no particular order: (I tried to find clips from YouTube, but I couldn't for a few.)
Cabaret (1972) - “Maybe This Time”
Joel Grey’s Master of Ceremonies is
my favorite character from the film, but “Maybe this Time” is the most poignant
song from the film. It sums up the optimistic, yet cautious attitude that Sally
Bowles (Liza Minnelli) has adopted in response to too many past abandonments.
That song alone tells us all we need to know about Bowles.
Dreamgirls (2006)
- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”
Like
Hathaway in Les Miserables, It can be
argued that this one song clenched the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for
Jennifer Hudson. Seeing this during its theatrical release, the audience burst
into applause after she finished the number, something I had not seen before or
since. This is one of my favorite introduction to an actress I've ever seen.
Singin’ in the Rain
(1952) - “Good Morning”
Arguably
the greatest musical ever made, Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen’s film is full of
great sequences featuring recycled songs from past musicals. “Make them laugh”
and the titular number are both classics; but it is Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and
Donald O’Connors’ rendition of “Good Morning” that always puts a smile on my
face. It’s super catchy to boot.
The Wizard of Oz
(1939) – “Somewhere over the Rainbow”
What
now seems like an obvious choice famously almost landed on the cutting room
floor to make for a speedier trip to Oz. Like Minnelli’s number from Cabaret, This song serves as an
encapsulation of Dorothy’s (Judy Garland) feelings and character. I used to
watch The Wizard of Oz at least
weekly as a kid, and I would always watch this song, then fast forward to the
tornado scene.
Once (2007) – “Falling
Slowly”
2007
was, in my opinion, the greatest year in film that I have seen during my
lifetime. Out of all the great films released that year, Once is probably my second favorite. It was one of those films that
I didn’t know a lot about going into and it surprised me, putting me in a good
mood for the rest of the day. The secret to its charm is in its simplicity. It’s
not overly choreographed and doesn’t even have a plot, really. It’s about two
people connecting at the right time and the right place. “Falling Slowly” is
the first glimpse at that connection.
The Best Little
Whorehouse in Texas (1982) – “The Sidestep”
This is
without doubt the cheesiest film on this list. It is the standard
southernspolitation that Burt Reynolds excels at with musical numbers thrown
in. It’s not even that great of a film. That being said, there is something
infectious about Charles Durning’s Texas Governor dancing in the corridors of
the Capitol while avoiding the press that is attempting to hold him
accountable. Durning’s large frame along with his fast paced dance moves are a
bizarre juxtaposition that is hard to take your eyes off of. You find honest
depictions of the political system in the strangest places sometimes.
Chicago (2002) – “Mr.
Cellophane”
Although
the film is known for its jazzier numbers, John C. Reilly’s lone solo
performance is what won me over while watching Chicago. I think the surprise of seeing Reilly singing so well is
part of why I love it so much. It’s crazy to think that Reilly was in 3 of the
5 Oscar nominees for Best Picture that year, including getting a nod himself
for this film. He’s since sort of reinvented himself as a member of the “frat-pack”,
but his recent performances in Roman Polanski’s Carnage and Lynn Ramsay’s We
Need to Talk about Kevin hint at a return to more dramatic roles.
The Muppet Movie
(1979) – “Rainbow Connection”
My 9
month old son has started to fall in love with Sesame Street, Elmo in particular. It’s amazing that Henson’s
Muppet creations are still relevant and vital in the digital age. It’s likely
due to the heart behind the felt creations. This is perfectly summed up by
Kermit the Frog’s rendition of “Rainbow Connection” from the original Muppet
film. It was nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar, losing out to a song
from Norma Rae that I’ve never heard
of.
The Rocky Horror
Picture Show (1975) – “Sweet Transvestite”
I’ve
never gotten the Rocky Horror
screening craze. I love the film, but all the audience participation and props
and bad re-enactments only serves as a distraction to me. I’ve been to a few of
them, but I always end up getting annoyed at not being able to pay attention. I
guess I’m a grouch. My favorite moment in the film has to be the introduction
of Tim Curry’s Frank-N-Furter. Curry’s career longevity is a testament to his
acting abilities because a lesser actor would have surely been type cast
following this film.
The Producers
(2005) – “Springtime for Hitler”
There
is something so absurd and ridiculous about this song that it makes me forget
how offensive it really is. In the same way that Once finds charm in simplicity, This number’s secret is its over
the top choreography, costumes, and editing. It’s also dangerously catchy. I have
found myself unconsciously singing it out loud in public on more than one
occasion.
