Top 7- Musical Moments in Film

This a new series I'm going to try out. Now you may be asking "why only seven, why not 10?". Well, because everyone does top ten lists, seven is a great film and I don't think I could fill a whole lot of lists with ten strong answers. Now, for my first top seven, I'm doing a subject close to my heart: the use of music in films. I think it's one of the most powerful and under appreciated things in films and it can make the difference between a decent scene and one that blows your mind. So, let's get started. Also, there may be spoilers, but those will all be clearly marked. Still, you have been warned.

7. Toy Story- You got a friend in me

Toy story is, at least for my generation, a childhood defining movie. The whole trilogy is wonderful and probably one of the finest trilogys ever made. One of the (many) great things about the films is the soundtrack. It put Randy Newman on the map and made him royalties for a good few years and is just a lovely heart warming song. The only thing that can beat the first time you hear it is at the start of Toy Story 3 when the song just dies out on the words "our friendship will never die" which set the whole tone and general heartbreak of the third installment. All together, this song is just plain great.

6. The Big Lebowski- Gutterballs

The Big Lebowski is a strange, beautiful and very culty film. So culty in fact that it has literally spawned a cult. And one of the stand out moments of this film for me is the gutter-balls dream sequence. It perfectly captures everything about The Big Lebowski: absurdity, Jeff Bridges and bowling. The scene is funny and quite odd by itself but the whole thing is amplified to absurd levels once you see The Dude's face. Through the whole thing, he has this ridiculous deranged look and it makes the whole thing so incredibly funny, even on repeat viewings. If you like cult films, watch The Big Lebowski. If you don't, at least watch this clip. It may convince you otherwise.

5. Reservoir Dogs- Mr Blonde's Interrogation of policeman

This scene has already gone down in film infamy as one of the most shocking scenes in movie history and with good reason. To start with, Resevoir dogs is still one of the most bloody films ever made. Not bad for a first time director. What also makes the scene great is the build up. You're watching it, knowing something horrible is going to happen to this policeman and all you can do is watch as Mr Blonde toys with him. The music adds this horrible (but perfect) contrast with the bloody violence going on and the cheery up beat song. Mr Blonde bides his time, singing and dancing, knowing that the poor cop and the audience are on the edge of their seats. And while we don't actually see the event take place, it's sometimes the implication that's worse. This way, we can only imagine the cruelty ahead. But a word of warning, don't watch this clip if you have a weak stomach or don't like gore. Because it's pretty bad.

4. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut- Kyle's mom's a bitch

And now for something considerably lighter. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are known for pushing the limits with their film Team America: World Police featuring a horribly graphic puppet sex scene and their stage play The Book of Mormon being an unstoppable laugh train stopping off at offense station a lot with aids, death and the clitoris being fair game for jokes. But this was where it all started and my god, it still holds up. The original South Park film is the funniest, most offensive and completely shocking musical (yes, it's a musical) I have ever seen. I could have chosen absolutely any song from here but the most memorable for me was this classy number. I don't think I need to say much more other than watch the video. And a fun fact about this film: you could watch it, in it's entirety before Katniss gets into the arena in Hunger Games Catching Fire. And you should.

(Spoilers from here on out. I warned you)

3. Fight Club- Ending music

I adore Fight Club. This much we know. And this song is so powerful because you have just finished a film that will take you on a ride that you will never forget. You are exhausted and this song just adds another level of mystery and intrigue to the whole film. It's a haunting song that makes you feel like the world is ending which, as it happens, it kind of is at the end of Fight Club. Basically I love Fight Club and I knew that this song would have to be on here for the unforgettable nature of it. Please watch this film.

2. Forrest Gump- Jenny's attempted/contemplated suicide

At this point in the film, we've spent a lot of time with Forrest and we've grown to love him. Through him we also came to love Jenny and her innocence and beauty. Which is why this moment is so heartbreaking. We see Jenny in a hotel room, with a mysterious, drug addled man. She is a wreck. We can guess that she has been on drugs as well and that she basically hates her life. That point is illustrated by her attempting to take her own life. I've watched Forrest Gump a lot and whenever this scene comes up, it makes my heart race. Even on repeat viewings, the tension is perfect. And the use of some more iconic period music with it's slow sad start and the frantic, pulse pounding and just really impressive guitar solo crescendo, it makes this scene one that you will never forget.

1. Django Unchained- Django escapes the slavers/Candyland massacre

So I may have cheated a bit here but I couldn't help myself. Django Unchained is one of the finest action films I have ever seen. The whole thing is damn near perfect. And it is a Tarantino film so it's also ridiculously bloody, swear words round every corner and packed with incredible monologues. Now, the Candyland massacre. It has one of the most tense build ups of any fight scene and certainly the most artery popping gore. And while only a minute has music, it is the single most badass and appropriate song that could come on. Django is showing himself to be a total badass, the likes of which we may never see until The Hateful Eight comes out. And it is so satisfying to watch. Then we have Django's escape from the slavers (and Quentin Tarantino's abysmal Australian/South African accent). He convinces them to give him a gun and then we have two quick deaths and one explosive death on our hands. At which point Django strides out the smoke, with his theme playing. At this point, he has earnt it. He is a badass, a hero, the ultimate Tarantino protagonist. He rides off on horseback to save his wife and the day. And while I could have included so many moments from this film or all of pretty much any Tarantino film, it has to be Django.