Often a great premise just isn't enough to get an audience into the cinema. That's why movie producers love star names, exotic locations and of course a memorable soundtrack. The eye and ear-catching elements that are going to grab peoples' attention - or the be all and end all if the project is a stinker!. If a movie can get customers in the door then they can worry about negative reactions later. Classic songs and back catalogues have proved an invaluable weapon in the film industry's arsenal. In many cases the title of an all-time smash is borrowed, in the hope the musical magic will rub off. This frequently happens despite the subject matter bearing no relation to what's in the lyrics! Some go the whole hog and attach several of a bestselling artist's top tunes to a release. With the John Lennon-inspired comedy romance Danny Collins (starring Al Pacino) playing to audiences everywhere, it seems movies rely on the music of previous decades more than ever. So pull out some of your old '45s, rummage through your CD collection or simply pick up your iPod - it's time to shuffle through the history of chart toppers on the big screen!
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
