A good movie opener will set the tone and mood for the rest of the film right off the bat. Music choice is crucial, of course. Here are a few openers that get it right, from dreamy synth to rap-rock to a 70s revival.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Us” — Regina Spektor; (500) Days Of Summer
(500) Days Of Summer was a delightfully twee little movie that inspired girls everywhere to get bangs. It was an attempt to explore the manic pixie dream girl phenomenon and the male manipulator archetype, but sometimes it’s seen as just a quintessentially 2009 romantic film. The movie opener is “Us” by Regina Spektor, who should be the poster child for twee alongside Zooey. “Us” accompanies footage of the main characters as children, made to look like old home videos. It’s a song that foreshadows their romantic entangling, the misplaced hero worship, and their eventual downfall.
“Lust For Life” — Iggy Pop; Trainspotting
“Lust For Life” combined with Renton’s “choose life” monologue in the opener for Trainspotting from 1996 is a sonic and visual smorgasbord of imagery and meaning. Not only is “Lust For Life” already a great song, combined with the low-down drug-fueled slacker mindset of the film’s opening it turns into a misfit anthem. The drums on “Lust For Life” mirror Renton and Spud’s running feet, turning the song visceral, something you can feel in your body. Not only did the opener bring more attention to Iggy Pop’s 70s and 80s hits, the entire movie also helped to basically immortalize him in the hearts and minds of those watching.
“Sabotage” — Beastie Boys; Star Trek (2009)
This movie opener introduces us to a young James Kirk as he goes for a joyride, blasting the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.” Star Trek from 2009 is one of the better franchise reboots ever made. From its superb casting to its orchestral soundtrack. However, the inclusion of “Sabotage” proves that the Beastie Boys are canon in this Star Trek alternate universe. Are they time travelers? Aliens? Who knows, but the addition of our Earth music in a sci-fi movie made for a delightful anachronism.
“Halcyon”— Orbital; Hackers
The use of “Halcyon” by Orbital in the opening scene of Hackers from 1995 sets the tone for the rest of the movie. In the scene, 11-year-old Dade Murphy is barred from owning or using computers until he turns 18. The lilting, shoegazey tones of “Halcyon” play over the slow motion scene of Dade being ushered to a car with his parents. He is surrounded by a disorienting group of reporters after the hearing. Judging purely by aesthetic, “Halcyon” sets the mood right out of the gate. It’s dreamy, a little bit techno sci-fi, and utterly mysterious.
Featured Image by Matt Carr/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.