A Second List of My Favorite Film Scores and Soundtracks

Hey. It’s me. I’m back again with more of my favorite film scores and soundtracks because the Quest is low on content again. I listen to a lot of scores and soundtracks, though, so I’m happy to rave about them again.

Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain by Jean-Pierre Jeunet – Score

I am not a big fan of many of the films to come out of France in the 21st century, but Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain is an exception to that disdain. The score of this film plays a big role in my love for it. It’s quirky with its accordion and plucky strings. It’s stereotypically French, to the point that when I’m listening to it, sometimes I feel like I’m sitting in a café in a striped shirt eating a baguette and asking the waiter for more foie gras, and he’s in a little red scarf and turns to me and says, “Non, gros American, je ne vous donnerai pas plus de foie gras. Si vous avez faim, fumez une cigarette et buvez du café noir.” Translation: No, you fat American, I will not get you more foie gras. If you are hungry, smoke a cigarette and drink black coffee. Needless to say, I do listen to this soundtrack when I am studying French so that one day I can come up with a quippy retort to the hypothetical waiter denying me of my hypothetical foie gras. 

The Graduate by Mike Nichols – Soundtrack and Score

My sister and I have a running joke about The Graduate being the greatest American film to ever be made, but deep down, part of me believes it. Not only is it an amazing film in its own right, but the soundtrack and score add so much to it. After my dad showed it to me, he said, “I don’t think I can listen to Simon & Garfunkel for another week at least,” but I proceeded to listen to the soundtrack Simon & Garfunkel created for The Graduate for the next month. Including iconic songs such as “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair / Canticle,” and “April Come She Will,” the music of Simon & Garfunkel perfectly encapsulates the lost feeling of post-graduate life that I will become well acquainted with in two years. 

The Royal Tenenbaums by Wes Anderson – Soundtrack

This is my favorite Wes Anderson film, and I will not be taking criticism for that. Even if you disagree on which film is the best, I think that a majority of Wes Anderson fans can agree that The Royal Tenenbaums has one of the greatest soundtracks of all time. The music and scenes of the film are just too iconic not to associate with each other. One time I was playing “These Days” in the car, and my best friend’s evil ex-boyfriend said, “Whenever I hear this song I think of Gwyneth Paltrow getting off her bus in The Royal Tenenbaums.” While he was devilish and didn’t have great taste in movies, he was right about that. That moment is iconic. So is “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” as the boys bond with their grandfather, and “Needle in the Hay,” as Richie Tenenbaum (Luke Wilson) cuts his hair (among other things). Even without these moments, the acoustic guitar-based soundtrack sonically creates a world I want to live in. 

D.E.B.S. by Angela Robinson – Soundtrack

God, where do I even begin? Well, probably with the fact that this masterpiece of cinema is about lesbian spies. On top of that solid premise, it uses on ‘80s new wave music such as “The Lovecats” by The Cure (shoutout Robert Smith), “Another Girl, Another Planet” by The Only Ones, and “Temptation” by New Order. When these songs played, I jumped out of my seat, and my heart filled with joy. The most important song on this soundtrack is “A Little Respect” by iconic ‘80s gay band Erasure. Not only is it an uplifting song, but it also comes when Lucy Diamond is trying to win back Amy and returns everything she’s stolen. The power of Erasure, I mean, love makes her good! Watch the movie and listen to the soundtrack, I beg of you.

The Bling Ring by Sofia Coppola – Soundtrack

I will limit myself to one Sofia Coppola soundtrack per list. For this list I chose The Bling Ring because I watched an episode of I Love LA right before this, and if The Bling Ring does one thing right, it’s portraying Los Angeles teenagers: nonchalant and obnoxiously rich. But it also has the soundtrack of the popular Los Angeles teenager's life. With songs that are still iconic today, such as “212” by Azealia Banks, “Bad Girls” by M.I.A., and “Super Rich Kids” by Frank Ocean, you will definitely be transported to Los Angeles through listening to this soundtrack. 

Licorice Pizza by Paul Thomas Anderson – Soundtrack

I am also limiting myself to one PTA soundtrack per list. This film also takes place in Los Angeles and has an amazing, iconic soundtrack. While the film itself isn’t that amazing (let’s hope my father doesn’t read this), the music in this film is top tier, with The Doors, Nina Simone, and Sonny & Cher. It’s a ‘70s fan’s dream playlist, so I recommend giving it a listen. 

That's it for now. Follow me on Letterboxd (@robinfilmentine) and write for the Quest. There will be another installment in this franchise if you don’t. Comment down below how you would respond to my imaginary French waiter.