Top Ten Film Composers

Ticket Stub is back to regular posting after a week of being ill! Before September is out, I have lots of exciting new posts to squeeze in, so let's dive in with a new Top Ten.

Ticket Stub's new Top Ten lists my favourite film composers of all time. Music is vitally important in films. It is the underlying track that immediately creates an atmosphere of tension, romance, comedy or drama.

I began on Twitter by asking you who is your fave composer of all time.
BBC Sound of Cinema's Neil Brand offered his suggestion:

Do you agree? Who is your most-loved composer? What is their best work? 

Let me know in the comments below or tweet @TicketStubBlog.

1. Alan Menken

Image: frozen.wikia.com

Menken has penned some of the best-loved scores to these Disney childhood classics: The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Hercules (1997), Enchanted (2007) and Tangled (2010).

He has collaborated with various lyricists including Stephen Schwartz for Pocahontas (1995), and Howard Ashman for Beauty and the Beast (1991). These are my two favourite Disney soundtracks - particularly the instrumental score for Pocahontas:

Another outstanding Menken soundtrack, with lyrics by Ashman, is the horror musical Little Shop of Horrors (1986). Check out Feed Me sung by the man eating plant Audrey II:


 
He has won 8 Oscars for his songs and scores. Find out more about the legendary composer below:

2. Hans Zimmer

Image: empireonline.com

Hans Zimmer brings an epicness to Hollywood movies with his mighty scores. Blockbusters such as Inception (2010), The Dark Knight (2008) and Gladiator (2000) are just some of the huge scale films Zimmer has worked on. His first project though, was on Rain Main (1988) which earned him his first Oscar nomination. 

His score for The Lion King (1994) won him his first Academy Award, along with a Golden Globe and 2 Grammys. Most recently, Zimmer composed the critically acclaimed film by Steve McQueen: 12 Years a Slave (2013). Zimmer also took over from colleague Klaus Badelt to compose the Pirates of the Caribbean sequels, carrying on the brilliant themes he helped introduce in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).

Here is one of the composer's most celebrated works: Time from Inception. 

3. Danny Elfman

Image: wow247.co.uk

Often collaborating with director Tim Burton, Danny Elfman has scored a huge variety of films throughout his career. Most adored though is his soundtrack to Edward Scissorhands (1994).

Elfman's delicate yet quirky and distinctive orchestration captures the imagination, drawing the audience into the world of each film. This is particularly true in Burton's musical films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), where he also provided the singing voice for Jack.

 As well as these family favourites, Elfman has scored Good Will Hunting (1997), Milk (2008) and, most recently, American Hustle (2013).
Did you know? Elfman also composed the theme tune to The Simpsons.

 He is currently writing the music for Fifty Shades of Grey (2015).
A large variety of work indeed - from the quirky to the raunchy!

4. Howard Shore

Image: fanpop.com

The Lord of the Rings trilogy soundtracks are my favourite classical scores of all time. 

From the Hobbits in the Shire to the Elves at Rivendell and the evil Orcs in Mordor, the themes are magical, mesmerising and menacing -  capturing everything that Middle Earth represents.

Howard Shore has won three Academy Awards for his music. He has composed an array of films, including The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Seven (1995), Ed Wood (1994), The Aviator (2004) and Doubt (2008).

Shore is set to compose the score for Sinatra (2015/6) which is to be directed by Martin Scorsese. 

5. James Horner

Image: thehollywoodnews.com

The love theme from Titanic (1997) is certainly what James Horner is most recognised for. The entire soundtrack is particularly clever with balancing the love story between Jack and Rose whilst maintaining the increasing tension and impending danger for all the characters on the doomed ship. I adore the simple love theme played on the piano in the infamous naked drawing sequence. It is raw, romantic and honest, matching the portrayal of Jack and Rose's relationship. Plus, no one wants to hear that Celine Dion version - this is miles better:

Horner has composed for more big blockbusters including: Braveheart (1995), Apollo 13 (1995), Avatar (2009), with the most recent being The Amazing Spiderman (2012).

6. Bernard Herrmann

Image: cbsnews.com

Bernard Herrmann is most well known for his remarkable score in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho. Nothing had ever been heard like this before. Herrmann only used stringed instruments, mainly due to budgeting reasons. Hitchcock originally wanted the film to have a jazz score - can you imagine how different Psycho could have sounded?!

The infamous shower scene is a brilliant example in showing how the soundtrack mirrors the action on screen perfectly. As the murder takes place, the screeching staccato strings stab us in the ears with a piercing harsh sound, whilst we are forced to watch Marion being horrifically stabbed to death.

Herrmann collaborated with Hitchcock on various classics such as Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959) and The Birds (1963). His work can also be heard in Citizen Kane (1941) and Taxi Driver (1976).

7. Thomas Newman

Image: bmi.com

Another top composer on the list. Thomas Newman has written many beautiful scores for a huge scope of successful films. He is best known for creating the themes and scores to Finding Nemo (2003) and American Beauty (1999):

Newman's title theme from Finding Nemo:

His resume is very impressive, having composed for: The Shawshank Redemption (1994), The Green Mile (1999), Wall-E (2008), Revolutionary Road (2008), Skyfall (2012), The Iron Lady (2011), The Help (2011) and Saving Mr Banks (2013).

Newman will compose the Finding Nemo sequel, Finding Dory (2016).

8. John Barry

Image: nme.com

John Barry will forever be remembered for his work on the James Bond movies from 1962 to 1987. Starting with Dr. No (1962), Barry arranged the Bond theme we all know and love. Though it was Monty Norman who actually composed the piece of music.
Here is the BBC Concert Orchestra at the BBC Proms 2011 performing the theme by Norman, arranged by Barry:

Writing the music on Dr. No however, created the distinctive Bond sound - especially with soundtracks and title songs to Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). It is Barry who created the style we all associate with 007.

Born Free (1966) was another success for Barry. He not only won two Academy Awards, but won the hearts of audiences across the world with the title song. As well as all this, he wrote the music for Midnight Cowboy (1969), Dances with Wolves (1990), and Out of Africa (1985).


9. Randy Newman

Image: bojack.org

Nearing the end of the Top Ten, and another much loved Disney composer. Randy Newman has created many heart warming moments - particularly for his songs in the Toy Story trilogy. One that immediately springs to mind is When She Loved Me sung by Jessie in Toy Story 2 (1999).

The final film of the trilogy has a beautiful score, especially at the end as Andy finally says goodbye to his childhood toys. So Long certainly brings a tear to my eye:

Randy is the cousin of Thomas Newman and both obviously have a great time composing for Disney Pixar. Randy has now composed 7 feature films with the company: Toy Story (1995), A Bug's Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Monsters Inc. (2001), Cars (2006), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Monsters University (2013). No doubt he will compose with the team again soon.

10. John Williams

Image; brianlauritzen.com

How could you have a list without this musical genius? John Williams has composed the most iconic soundtracks of all time. The extraordinary themes from Star Wars, Jaws (1975), Superman (1978), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Indiana Jones have made John Williams a household name. He is arguably the greatest film composer of all time.

Collaborating most often with Steven Spielberg, Williams has composed scores to Jurassic Park (1993), Schindler's List (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), War Horse (2011) and Lincoln (2012). 
Did you know? Williams composed the enchanting theme to Harry Potter too (Hedwig's Theme).
The man is a composing wizard!

Do you agree with my Top Ten list?

Which composers would be on your Top Ten?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog with your suggestions.

You could be featured in the next post.

Quote of the Day #22

"I have a right to be heard! I have a voice!"

The King's Speech (2010)

Image: galleonnews.com

Colin Firth stars in Woody Allen's new film Magic in Moonlight which opens in cinemas today.

What is your favourite film of Firth's?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Throwback Thursday Trivia: Popcorn

We eat it all the time at the cinema. The smell of freshly made popcorn brings a wave of nostalgia and excitement with going to the movies. But why do we eat this super loud snack? 

Whether you like it sweet or salted, Ticket Stub finds out how popcorn, quite literally, exploded into cinema foyers...

Popcorn was a popular favourite at many American entertainment venues during 1848, including circuses and fairs. Portable vendors moved to cinemas after the talkies burst onto the screen in 1929. During the Great Depression, popcorn became an affordable snack for movie goers and for cinema owners to sell. Eventually, owners produced their own popcorn as it was cheap, easy to store and made people thirsty for some fizz. 

Image: smithsonianmag.com

World War II cemented the movies and popcorn together. Chocolate and sweets were in short supply, due to sugar shortages, so popcorn took over as the dominant confectionery. By 1945, over half of America's popcorn was consumed at the pictures. Advertising also started to entice audiences to seek out yummy refreshments. Check out this catchy cartoon ad from 1957:

Popcorn seems to be more popular than ever these days. With huge varieties on supermarket shelves, you can bring the novelty cinema snack to your home. High-end brands are also taking place in multiplexes and new exotic flavours are being sold. From sour cream and jalapeno chilli to smoked bacon and maple syrup, things have come a long way since the standard sweet or salted bags!

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Don't forget to follow on Twitter too @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #21

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room."

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Image: filmreference.com

Dr. Strangelove came out 50 years ago.

What is your favourite quote from this classic?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

August Film of the Month

August is over and it is time to look back at the best Film of the Month.

Have you seen any of these films? What did you think? Do you agree with my ratings?

To help your decision, here is Ticket Stub's rating system:

* = Poor. Why did I even bother?!

** = OK. Could have done better.

*** = Good. Recommended though don’t feel bad you don’t get to see this one.

**** = Excellent. Not quite perfect but highly recommended.

***** = Masterpiece. You’d be a fool not to see this film.

Each film title links to their relevant IMDB pages so you can find out about plots, cast and crew.

So let's get on with it and see which movie will come out on top. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter @TicketStubBlog

Guardians of the Galaxy

Image: metrokids.com

At first, I wasn't too sure where this film was going - with a talking raccoon and special effects galore, my initial impression was 'oh, god what have I walked into? Is this just some silly movie for kids?'. However, once we get going, this film is a hoot. The script is brilliantly funny, almost bordering on spoofing the superhero blockbusters. The charismatic Chris Pratt (The Lego Movie, TV's Parks and Recreation) is a brilliant piece of casting as Peter Quill. He knows how to play comedy but we can also take him seriously as the hero of the film. Each character is intriguing and entertaining, put altogether their chemistry bursts a huge amount of energy on the screen. The plot may be a bit frantic in places, but a highly recommended film nonetheless. Another stand out moment? It has to be the soundtrack which is based on Quill's mixtape from the 1980s. Tracks include: I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 and Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Highly recommended for all the family.

Rating: ****

The Inbetweeners 2

Image: metro.co.uk

The Inbetweeners 2 has been extremely successful at the box office. The movie, based on the popular E4 TV series, took £12.5 million in its first five days at the UK box office. So with its success in sales, is the film itself any good? Well, yes and no. Yes in the sense that the four socially inept guys are back, visiting Jay in Oz. The jokes are pretty funny including Will serenading his love interest in a great piece of cringe-worthy comedy. There are also plenty of snarky remarks on gap-year students and culture. However, some of the humor may be too vulgar for viewers - with physical comedy involving excrement and misogynistic themes throughout. Some jokes fall flat but if you don't like one, they'll be another to have you laughing. For fans of the TV show and first movie, it is more of the same and you know what to expect. Stay for the credits, as they are just as funny. Recommended to fans of the show, but do not worry if you miss this one.

Rating: *** 

What If

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Daniel Radcliffe stars as Wallace - a geeky British med-school dropout living in Toronto. He meets Chantry who has a boyfriend. The film asks the inevitable 'will they/won't they' questions and the all important one - can men and women be just friends? I liked the themes of this, mainly because it reminded me of When Harry Met Sally (1989), however What If falls into the predictable rom-com cliches. I thought Radcliffe plays the comedy pretty well, but he doesn't have the same charm and heart-throb attractiveness as say, Hugh Grant. It is pretty certain that if this was made in the 90s, Grant would be all over this. What If is enjoyable but is certainly not a stand out rom-com.

Rating: **

Lucy

Image: eadavisblog.wordpress.com

Scarlett Johansson stars in the thriller which, although slightly ridiculous, keeps you guessing as to what will happen when Lucy reaches 100% of her brain capacity. The movie is thrilling and having the weighty Morgan Freeman as the professor always adds a sense of dramatic seriousness. Lucy is great, up to a point. As she accesses more capacity, her powers become hard to fathom and the movie spirals out of control. Maybe that is the point though? The ending is very disappointing. When the credits rolled, I asked 'is that it?'. A fairly good thriller which starts as an entertaining piece, but soon becomes nonsense. 

Rating: **

A huge variety of films this month. Which is Ticket Stub's pick?

August Film of the Month is...

Guardians of the Galaxy

Check out the trailer below:

What is your August Film of the Month?

Let me know in the comments or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Best of the Bank Holiday Films

Stuck for things to do this bank holiday weekend?
How about checking out these films on telly over the next few days.

Ticket Stub has picked the best of the bunch, so grab the popcorn, sit back and relax with these movies over the weekend...

Friday:

Precious (2009), BBC2, 11.05pm

Image: nytimes.com

Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, this film achieved critical acclaim in 2009. It tells the story of Claireece Precious Jones: an illiterate and obese sixteen year old who is abused by both her mother and father in 1980s Harlem. She is enrolled into an alternative school in the hopes that her harrowing life will turn around. The movie was nominated for six awards at the Oscars and won two - Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Mo'Nique's performance as Precious's mother, Mary Lee Johnston.

(500) Days of Summer (2009), Channel 4, 11.40pm 

PICK OF THE DAY

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The story of Summer and Tom is not a love story - we're told this from the very beginning. Much like Annie Hall (1977), this off beat rom-com looks at Tom's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) failed relationship with Summer (Zooey Deschanel). The non-linear narrative is creative and clever. I love the quirky elements in the film including this brilliant dance number which was featured in Ticket Stub's Top Ten Dance Sequences. A huge highlight is the soundtrack - Regina Spektor, The Temper Trap, Simon & Garfunkel and The Smiths feature. Have a listen on Spotify, it will not disappoint.

Saturday:

The Wizard of Oz (1939), Channel 5, 3pm

Image: boktowergardens.org

A musical classic. After a tornado hits her home in Kansas, Dorothy is transported to the magical land of Oz. There she must follow the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard after accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East. Along the way she meets a brainless scarecrow, a heartless tin-man and a cowardly lion who all have their own reasons to meet the almighty powerful Oz. To find out more quirky facts about the film, check out Ticket Stub's Throwback Thursday Trivia.

Murder on the Orient Express (1974), ITV, 3.55pm

Image: moviemail.com

Based on Agatha Christie's novel, this is considered one of, if not, the best book-to-movie adaptations of Christie's work. After the train is stalled by a snow landslide, Poirot is summoned to solve a murder that has occurred the night before. The film stars Albert Finney, Ingrid Bergman, and the late, Lauren Bacall. Bergman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Greta.



Jumanji (1995), GOLD, 6.50pm

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After the tragic death of Robin Williams last week, many TV networks have been airing Williams's best work. Jumanji is a great family adventure which had me on tenterhooks as a kid. The movie centres on Alan, a 12 year old boy who finds the dangerous board game Jumanji and gets trapped playing the game with his friend, Sarah. When siblings, Judy and Peter, play twenty six years later, they unintentionally release Alan and attempt to save Sarah and finally finish the unpredictable game. To see Ticket Stub's tribute to Robin Williams click here.

Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi (1983), ITV, 9.45pm

Image: thefancarpet.com

For sci-fi fans, here is your pick of the day. The third installment of the Star Wars saga follows straight after the previous episode. After rescuing Han Solo from the palace of Jabba the Hutt, the rebels must attempt to destroy the second Death Star. At the same time, Luke Skywalker struggles to bring Darth Vader, his father and fallen Jedi, back from the dark side of the Force. Many will be looking forward to the new Star Wars: Episode VII, scheduled for 2015. Unfortunately, Harrison Ford recently broke his ankle whilst on set but is reportedly to be recovering well!



The Full Monty (1997), Sky1, 9pm
PICK OF THE DAY

Image: theguardian.com

The Full Monty is a much loved British comedy. Not only is it hilarious, it is also set in one the best cities - Sheffield. The movie sees six unemployed steel workers form their own Chippendales-style striptease act, with the promise of going the full monty. The ensemble cast, which includes Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy and Tom Wilkinson, are highly entertaining. The film scored critical acclaim internationally. It was the highest grossing film in the UK until the big blockbuster Titanic came along. The film was also nominated for four Oscars and won Best Original Music Score. 

Insomnia (2002), BBC2, 11pm

Image: seetimaar.wordpress.com

Another Robin Williams film, this time in one of his more serious roles. Insomnia follows the story of two LA homicide detectives investigating a murder of a local teen in an Alaskan town. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this remake also stars Hilary Swank and Al Pacino. A tense thriller for a Saturday night.

Sunday:

Edward Scissorhands (1990), Film4, 4.40pm
PICK OF THE DAY

Image: deppimpact.com

This is Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's first collaboration. The story follows an inventor's unfinished creation - Edward - who has scissors for hands (clue's in the title!). When he is taken in by a suburban family, he falls in love with the daughter, Kim. Although many of the town folk fear Edward, he has a gentle soul which Kim immediately connects to and the pair fall in love. 

Danny Elfman's music is enchanting and it is an excellent film to introduce new audiences of Burton's work to. Find out more about the famous Edward Scissorhands costume, by clicking here.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), GOLD, 6.50pm 

Image: tempi.it

Certainly the best film to combine live action and animation together. Bob Hoskins stars as Eddie Valiant - a private detective investigating a murder involving Roger Rabbit. Directed by the legendary Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away), the movie is a popular favourite for all the family. The film won four Academy Awards: Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing along with a Special Achievement Award for Richard Williams. This was for 'animation direction and creation of the cartoon characters'.

Miss Congeniality (2000), Watch, 6.55pm

Image: derekwinnert.com

A girly film starring Sandra Bullock as an undercover FBI agent who has to take part in Miss United States beauty pageant competition to find out who is to sabotage and bomb the show. Bullock is charming and hysterical as the tomboy agent. She is also joined by a wonderfully camp Michael Caine. Full of gags and entertaining performances.







Monday:

Rio (2011), Film4, 12.50pm

Image: cartoonsimages.com

After its recent sequel hitting cinemas earlier in the year, the first movie Rio flies onto our small screens. Animated by Dreamworks, it tells the tale of Blu - a rare domesticated macaw - who is taken from his comfy life in Minnesota to Rio de Janeiro to mate with the female macaw, Jewel. The cast looks splendid with voices from Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jane Lynch, Jamie Foxx and, rather randomly, will.i.am.




The King and I (1956), Film4, 2.40pm

Imag: screenmom.com

It wouldn't be a bank holiday without a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Deborah Kerr plays Anna Leonowens, an English widow who comes to Siam in 1862 to tutor the children of the King. Despite their culture clash, the two fall in love. The musical was nominated for nine Oscars and won four, including Best Actor for Yul Brynner.

Airplane! (1980), Film4, 7.15pm

PICK OF THE DAY

One of the most ridiculously silly comedies ever. Airplane! is a satirical disaster spoof which sees Ted, an ex-pilot afraid of flying, attempt to win back the heart of flight attendant, Elaine, on a long haul flight. However, when a virus hits the passengers and crew, Ted must save everyone on board. Starring Leslie Nielsen, the gags come thick and fast with slapstick, sight gags, plenty of puns and dead pan acting. If you don't like one joke, you're bound to like the next.   

I hope you have a wonderful bank holiday weekend!

What films will you be seeing at the cinema or at home this weekend?

Don't forget to follow Ticket Stub on Twitter @TicketStubBlog

Trailer Tuesday: Gone Girl (2014)

Image: independent.co.uk

This week's Trailer Tuesday is based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn: Gone Girl.

David Fincher, best known for Fight Club (1999), The Social Network (2010) and, most recently, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), directs this tense thriller. 

The film tells the story of Nick - a husband who reports his wife, Amy, missing and becomes a suspect in her mysterious disappearance. A huge search party and media frenzy entails which puts Nick under intense scrutiny and has us all asking the question: did he kill his wife?

Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike play the broken married couple. The fantastic Neil Patrick Harris and Missi Pyle also feature in the film. I cannot wait to see this movie. The trailer is gripping and full of suspense before we've even set foot in the cinema. After enjoying Fincher's previous work, I am very much looking forward to seeing this.

Gone Girl will open the New York Film Festival this year, running from the 26th September to 12th October. The film will be released in the UK on 3rd October 2014.

Take a look at the trailer below and let me know your thoughts in the comments or tweet @TicketStubBlog