Sometimes songs just seem to fit a movie. For example, it’s obvious that one would use the song “Singing in the Rain” in a movie where the guy is actually singing and it’s actually raining. However, some movies play a song and you think to yourself, “Dude, what the hell is going on here?” and you just can’t fathom why the song has been used. However, after thinking about it you realize how disturbing, yet indescribably appropriate the use of that song was. Here are my picks (in no particular order) for the 10 most out of place songs that work really well in movies.
American Psycho – “Sussudio” by Phil Collins
A whole myriad of songs could be chosen for American Psycho but it was either Huey Lewis or Phil Collins for this pick. “Sussudio” is great and doesn’t really have much to do with anything. “Hip to be square” at least admits the character is nuts. P.S. the scene it’s in? We couldn’t post it here.
A Clockwork Orange – “Singing in the Rain” by Nacio Heb Brown
Another movie where I could have gone in another direction. “Beethoven’s 9th” could have been used but if you’ve ever seen A Clockwork Orange and then hear the song “Singing in the Rain,” you just don’t think of Gene Kelly anymore. You think of mass destruction, beatings, and anarchy.
Boogie Nights – “Sister Christian,” by Night Ranger
Remember how long the camera was on Wahlberg’s face at one point during this scene? It was over a minute. One of my all time favorite scenes in a movie. Amazing. And what in the hell does this song have to do with this scene? Not much but it works well doesn’t it?
The Game – “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane
This is the insane scene where Michael Douglas sees a picture of his dead father in a toy clown’s mouth. His entire house is covered in UV lights and what song is playing? “White Rabbit.” So eerie. David Fincher is the man. Honestly, that song just fits so well but come on, is it supposed to?
Roger and Me – “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” by the Beach Boys
Great parody work here. Michael Moore may be pudgy and annoying but the guy can make a movie… no matter what people’s opinions are. And when you play this song during evictions and heartache, it’s effective.
