First of all Hello! And thanks for checking out my column. For the sake of full transparency there are few things I’d like to declare up front, that’ll save you wondering and provide the perfect jumping off point for what follows. I love movies and I love music. I also love coffee, which helps keep me creative and as the title alludes – I have an inordinate affinity for alliteration. But back to column’s premise – I promise to put a new thematic spin on each feature and shine the spotlight on some amazing movies with stellar soundtracks that come in under that umbrella. Take this first one for instance – the focus is Fall-Infused Films (#BTW – I LOVE FALL!!!) so these motion pictures come complete with those big autumnal backdrops filled with leaf strewn scenes, oodles of cozy sweaters and naturally the most amazing music!
First up, an extraordinary onscreen ensemble piece that made it’s big screen debut 42 years ago (how is that possible?) A film about seven former college pals who gather for a weekend reunion at a South Carolina house following the funeral of one of their mutual friend. The setting is most decidedly fall and the house is simply spectacular. Written for the big screen by Barbara Benedek and Lawrence Kasdan who also directs stars Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams – all of whom are left to hash it all out after Kevin Costner’s character dies. That’s the premise of THE BIG CHILL and if you’re a fan of the film yourself – you just might be thinking – “hang on a second Stephanie – Kevin Costner wasn’t in THE BIG CHILL.” To that I’ll admit, you’re mostly right. You see Kasdan cast a then relatively unknown Costner as the deceased Alex, shooting most of his scenes for flashbacks. Those flashbacks, however, hit the cutting room floor – leaving only those with Costner’s body being dressed for the funeral in the opening sequence which were intercut between shots of the seven friends all reacting separately to the sad news. And while all that plays out – we hear the legendary Marvin Gaye’s 1968 chart topping smash “Heard it Through the Grapevine.” That song sets the tone for a series of 60’s hits placed ever so perfectly throughout the picture. All them personal favourites of Kasdan and his wife Meg who, as Music Consultant for the movie, curated the remarkable collection of more than 20 tunes performed by everyone from Aretha Franklin and The Temptations to The Rolling Stones and CCR. Ten of those songs made it onto THE BIG CHILL Soundtrack, which following its 1983 release spent 84 weeks on Billboard Top 100 chart. It also marked the resurgence of Motown music that continues to this day and, at last check, clocked in at 6x platinum status in sales. Oscar nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Glen Close, THE BIG CHILL is filled with great laughs and moving scenes. In fact, to me it feels more like I’m eavesdropping on this close knit crew ~ all the while wishing I could be with them for the tag football amidst the fall foliage and all those fabulous feasts. As for whether their longstanding friendships stand the test of time – well, you’ll need to see that play out for yourself (or watch it again because you loved it too) THE BIG CHILL is streaming now on Crave.
When it comes to the movies I love – I’m all for watching them over and over and over again. And as for this next fall-infused film I’d say I’ve seen it at least 30 times. It stars Academy Award winners Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman – grant it this was pre-Oscar days, but their on-screen chemistry was pure magic. PRACTICAL MAGIC that is. Now if by chance you’ve yet to see the 1998 fantasy for yourself, in it the two play “witch sisters, who are raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town. They’re forced to face closed-minded prejudice and a curse that threatens to prevent them ever finding lasting love.” Set in the fictional town of Hollowell, Massachusetts over many years, amidst many seasons ~ it’s those set in fall that spring to mind most. Witches and spells will do that to person. This soundtrack had me spellbound too for so many reasons, including the enchanting title score composed by the legendary Alan Silvestri. It flows so seamlessly throughout the film you’d never know it was created at the last minute when Warner Bros. ordered the original music by Michael Nyman be replaced. Of course there’s Faith Hill’s huge cross-over hit “This Kiss” and its oh so apropos placement when Bullock’s character is magically moved to the centre of the village to kiss the man she’ll eventually marry. Plus two songs by the eternally mysterious Steve Nicks “If You Ever Did Believe” and an updated version of “Crystal,” with background vocals courtesy of non other than Sheryl Crow. There’s songs by legends like Joni Mitchell, George Jones and even Elvis Presley. Which brings me to the song that haunts to this day – and while I won’t give away the plot, I will say when Jimmy played by Goran Visnjic comes back singing “You Were Always on My Mind” ever-so eerily… let’s just say I’ll take the King’s version any day over Jimmy’s creepy crooning. PRACTICAL MAGIC is available to stream on CRAVE. Oh and in case you haven’t heard – production just wrapped on PRACTICAL MAGIC 2 which is set for release next September.
My next fall-infused film includes a much sweet cover admidst a stellar soundtrack complete with a heartfelt score and plenty of feel good songs. I’m not sure how many of you have seen the 2007 film DAN IN REAL LIFE, but have mercy you’ll be so glad you did when you do. Steve Carrell plays Dan, a widower who finds out the woman he’s fallen in love with named – Marie played by Juliette Binoche is actually the girlfriend of his brother Mitch played by Dane Cook. The story takes place at Dan’s parents Rhode Island home during crisp fall days amidst all those famous New England leaves – Dan’s family is huge and lovely and watching you just wish you were a member. And according to the cast they really did feel like a family. No doubt, in large part, because Director Peter Hedges insisted the entire cast, complete with legends Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney, stay in the home while they filmed. Like most families, traditions are huge – like the family talent show, which brings me back to that sweet cover I mentioned. Now it’s true, we’ve grown to know Steve Carell as a comedic actor thanks to his turns in THE OFFICE, THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN et al., but he’s a wonderful dramatic actor as well – as evidenced in this scene where Mitch enlists Dan to play guitar for him during the family talent show. You see what starts out as the brother’s pop number gives way to Dan’s romantically gut-wrenching solo delivered to a teary eyed Marie. Oh, it’s heartbreaking ~ and really remarkable when give a listen to the original rockin’ version by The Who’s Pete Townsend. As Dan sings “Let My Love Open the Door” it’s more like a full-fledged ballad. The movie’s arrangement comes courtesy of Norway’s Sondre Lerche who served as music supervisor, composer and contributor on the film. I just know you’re going to love DAN IN REAL LIFE.
While we’re on the subject of love, I realize there’s one more thing I failed to disclose off the top, although perhaps you’ve already surmised – I love a good love story, especially a well-crafted romcom. That’s why you’ll find this next fall-infused film WHEN HARRY MET SALLY at the top of my all time favourite movie list and I know I’m not alone in that sentiment. Written by the incomparable Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner – I know from interviews neither one of them imagined the longstanding status this movie would go on to enjoy. Then again with stars Billy Crystal as Harry and Meg Ryan as Sally delivering those brilliantly witty lines amidst autumn in New York, well it’s no wonder the film enjoys the 23rd position on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs chart, or why with all that romance it ranked #25 in on AFI’s 100 years – 100 Passions chart – it even made AFI’s 100 years… 100 quotes chart with that now legendary line “I’ll have what she’s having.” And as for the soundtrack, well that’s legendary too and while the film features the original recordings of everyone from Bing Crosby to Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald – mixed in among those classics was a newcomer by the name of Harry Connick Jr., who Reiner immediately booked for the project after being slipped his tape by pal Bobby Colomby of the band Blood Sweat & Tears. Connick’s Sinatra-esque sound was a slamdunk for the director who had Harry cover gems like “But Not For Me” and “I Could Write a Book.” In fact, the recorded soundtrack released for WHEN HARRY MET SALLY features all of the movie’s tunes as recorded by Harry Connick Jr.. The album topped Billboard magazine’s Jazz charts, hit double-platinum status, earned Connick a Grammy for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance and you best believe launched his career to the next stratosphere. Indeed, I proudly own that soundtrack on both cassette and CD (yes, I’m that old), but I must confess I’m happy it’s Frank Sinatra’s original version of “It Had to Be You” that we hear when Harry realizes it’s Sally that he loves and can’t live without. I mean when he’s running all out through the streets of New York to tell her all about it – does it get anymore romantic?! That’s probably why this song and the scene made AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs list. So, so dreamy! I’m going to have to watch WHEN HARRY MET SALLY again now.
But not before I tell you about this last fall-infused film, complete with the soundtrack that first instilled my love of movie score and along with my tremendous admiration for the man behind the music, the Hit Man himself, Mr. David Foster. I mean, just hearing the first few notes of this movie’s opening sequence and I’m instantly transported back to that Burlington Ontario theatre for my first of like 50 screenings of ST.ELMO’S FIRE. I gotta tell you, when Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Mare Winningham and Emilo Estevez made their way across the screen in that opening… total game changer for this girl. That 1985 Joel Schumacher film changed everything for that ensemble cast too who on screen played a close knit group of college friends struggling to make their way in the world during that first fall after graduating, while off screen they began ‘The Brat Pack’ portion of their career (for a full explainer on that stream the doc BRATS on Disney+) All I know is I was crazy for the movie – for all the comedy and drama, for all the fall foliage and without question for all the amazing music on the David Foster produced soundtrack, which included a lyrical version that love theme called “For Just A Moment” and of course the title track “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” co written by Foster and singer John Parr. That song would spend 2 weeks atop Billboards Hot 100 and earn a Grammy nomination along with the entire soundtrack itself. Hey and here’s one last note of interest – according to Parr, he and David Foster wrote, recorded and edited that song in less than 24 hours. What a difference a day makes!
Alright my fellow film-loving folks and fans of fall – thanks for reading this first installment. With any luck I’ll return in time for the spooky season to share more of my favourite flicks and soundtrack hits. Take care til then! Sb
