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This article was originally posted in 2015.
Were republishing it in memory of Italian composer Ennio Morricone,who died on July 6, 2020in Rome.
His influence is monumental across musical genres, and his innovations have been adopted even by avant-garde musicians.
(Not every director always knew how to use Morricones music well.)
But here they are: Ennio Morricones 25 Greatest Musical Cues.
Also note how the tune changes slightly whenever its played in the film reflecting the characters inner states.
Part of the films enduring appeal has to be Morricones innovative, unsettling score.
Unstable and questioning, it sends us out on an uncertain and disturbing note.
(Even Alexander Payne used it inElection.)
Are those meant to be futuristic gunshots, maybe anticipating the gunfire to come?
(Am I overthinking this?
This sublime scene shows the fruits of that approach.
(Couldthatbe the single greatest movie music cue ever?)
American cinemas paragon of decency and moral authority!
is the monster at the center of this slaughter.
Its a great way to end one of the most depressing movies ever made.
This is a historical film that becomes a fantasy, and Morricones music brilliantly reflects that.
But somehow, their collaboration worked.
This score may well be one of Morricones greatest, most romantic works.
Cockeyes Death,Once Upon a Time in America(1984)
Noodles, I slipped.
But perhaps the films most powerful cue comes in its most powerful scene.
The Indians know him, and theyre initially fearful and suspicious.
But then one man approaches De Niro and cuts away his heavy load.
Its a moment of intense, overwhelming humanity, perfectly highlighted by Morricones lilting score.
Morricones music here, one of his most famous, surges with both wonder and regret.
Its a great thriller, but its also a surprisingly somber, reflective one.
Its absolutely one of the actors greatest performances.
