Comments on: Ryan Star – Call me a lazy filmmaker

By: Jo

Jo — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:03:25 +0000

Thanks for this one, Ryan…I never paid much attention to film and music combinations until I became a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The creators of that show had such an ear for what song could completely make a scene. Scores never did much for me, but the right song set to the right scene can make all the difference in the world. From that point on, I was constantly noticing song choices in movies and TV. Your choices are brilliant…I would add The Crow and Almost Famous to that list!

By: Andrea Angel

Andrea Angel — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:08:12 +0000

Ryan -
Film and music definitely go hand in hand. I can not say how much I agree with you on that. I often times see myself wishing the daily life was like a movie or even a TV show. I wish their was music playing the background of dramatic scenes or just an overall mood changing score that can take you from one extreme to another. I loved the soundtracks you picked, although there were a couple that I never really thought about really looking into. “Singles” soundtrack is probably one of the best I’ve heard, but it just seems like now days the movies get lost in other stuff, instead of the music like they used to. Sorry that was long. Thanks again for the blogs Ryan!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:01:07 +0000

Absolutely dead on with the “Singles” soundtrack. “Chloe dancer/Crown of Thorns” was my shit! and I would sing

“And this is my kind of love
It’s the kind that moves on
It’s the kind that leaves me alone, yes it does”

Simply one fantastic, ” you got me going” song.

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:43:17 +0000

Just saw a screening of “Up In the Air” and I thought of “Breathe” immediately. The movie tackles unemployment in a very innovative (and entertaining) way. At CBS News, we did a story about the song “Up In the Air” that ended up on the movie’s soundtrack. Unemployed songwriter Kevin Renick had just written it as the movie was being filmed – it was a coincidence that it had the same title. Renick peddled it to director Jason Reitman in person. Here’s a link:
http://bit.ly/6iIcOX

By: pattieann (ph246)

pattieann (ph246) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:28:19 +0000

The music says it all. A movie just woulnd’t be the same without the music. I love “O, Brother Where Art Thou” – both the movie and the soundtrack.. It’s great that you include it here.

By: Brittany

Brittany — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:19:34 +0000

I totally agree with you. I think it’s great that you understand this concept so much. Most people don’t realize how much of a rile music has in the films they watch. The emotions we feel would be so much weaker if the music wasn’t there. I always tell my friends to imagine watching that same scene without music. Music is such an emotional art form. I think it’s fantastic that you have the ability to convey such emotion in your songs. I can’t begin to explain the emotions I feel when listening to your music, along with some other fantastic musicians. Keep up the fantastic work and I hope you have a fantastic holiday season.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:29:02 +0000

Given his backstory, I love hearing that a Cameron Crowe work drew you into the business. Music often pulls the emotional strings within the story, but Almost Famous made me think about it as a component of life… how it has influenced who we are as members of various generations, how we respond to the range of musical genres and how music is, in itself, a part of our individual makeup. I love how it spins within the stories of our own lives (with a nod to some lyrics from To Have Heroes) And I love how you have managed to weave your music not only into film and television, but also into the personal stories of the people in your music video for Breathe. Great blog, Ryan. Looking forward to more.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:48:06 +0000

Ryan, you are so on the money with this. I totally agree. As a diehard fan of yours, I actually get a bit of a thrill everytime I hear your music used on TV or in a movie – esp. Last Train Home in “P.S. I Love You,” which HBO recently ran a gazillion times in that marathon way they have. Music and film are my passions and so this blog entry really hit home for me.

By: juliana

juliana — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:27:22 +0000

Thanks for sharing your soundtrack thoughts with us… Your songs need to be in more movies. Lie to me couldn’t have a better theme song. congrats! Can’t wait for the next blog…

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:25:41 +0000

Another great blog! You know, I loved Brand New Day even before I knew who sang it. And when I heard that the artist in question was the opener for my favorite band in the world this year, I couldn’t wait to see you! Your music is so great and this is just the beginning! We’ll be hearing your songs not just on TV but on movie soundtracks too before long – I can’t wait!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:28:05 +0000

Your taste in movies = my taste in movies. Into the Wild and Garden State are two of my favourites. They’re so powerful, and they’re so close to me. I listen to the GS soundtrack all the time. And I see so much of myself in Into the Wild. It’s just incredible, and Eddie Vedder’s music just takes the movie to another level. And of course LOTR. Eternal Sunshine is also one of my very favourites, which might have more to do with the artistry/creativity of the movie than the music. You should check out the movie Across the Universe, if you haven’t, for the musical component and how seamlessly it blends into the film. And you NEED to watch the movie “Once”. Trust me. I’m gonna post again to remind you. And I’m gonna watch Singles.

By: shaniah3

shaniah3 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:24:06 +0000

Ryan,
I’m kind a film addict, and now I’m getting addicted to your blogs too. It’s dangerous…

By: Gambit

Gambit — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:21:36 +0000

The Fountain soundtrack by Clint Mansell. Arnofsky was not the only one that made a masterpiece.

By: Alexis

Alexis — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:09:52 +0000

that’s so cool:)
i love “Brand New day.”
it’s good to read these blogs and get to know you better:)

By: Julie B.

Julie B. — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:55:07 +0000

Great blog Ryan! There are times when the perfect song is put to a moving scene in a film and I get chills. Some of those scenes stay with me always.
You music is like that, the first time I heard your songs ~moved me and will stay with me.

By: MagazineFreak

MagazineFreak — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:51:40 +0000

Ryan, I need you to start being less awesome. Your list is perfection. Garden State? Moulin Rouge? Into the Wild? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Some Kind of Wonderful was it for me, but probably before your time. It was my daily soundtrack in college for those long walks to class.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:04:32 +0000

I’ve always considered music and film as a marriage made in heaven. Music has such an ability to engage our emotions even more when it is artfully used in film. Your great soundtracks list some beautiful music. When I was younger I habitually asked for movie soundtrack CDs because I was so entranced with the scores. Sometimes a line from a movie will pop into my head at just the right time. Sometimes a piece of music will do the same. It’s amazing how inspiring both are together.

As always – great blog, Ryan.

By: NAFISA14

NAFISA14 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:39:12 +0000

a very interesting read…one of my favourite soundtracks is to a beautiful mind. This movie was amazing and so was the music throughout the movie. It all was so perfect. Btw…brand new day is a top tune

By: Sayer

Sayer — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:20:54 +0000

The choices here are pretty much spot on – particularly Kill Bill. I remember watching it at the time and being quite taken with the way the sound and music was used. I’ve got to agree with others on “Brand New Day” as well – the perfect theme for Lie to Me.

By: Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:10:35 +0000

I have long been interested in how music affects the overall power of films and television. Your list here makes me regret not watching movies. Rectification may be necessary! I’m loving the daily blogs! Thank you!