*Read John Williams’ biography here
Home Alone
Released in 1990, Home Alone has become a classic Christmas comedy film. The movie was directed by Cris Columbus and stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, an 8 year old who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for an overseas holiday at Christmas. Kevin loves being home alone but soon has to defend his house against two burglars (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern).
At first, Cris Columbus wanted Bruce Broughton score the films (early posters for the movie list him as the composer), but he had to pull out due to other commitments. Columbus got in tough with Steven Spielberg who put him in touch with John Williams.
The score was nominated for two Academy Awards but wasn’t successful (Best Original Score went to Dances with Wolves) and Best Original Song for the theme song “Somewhere in my Memory” (which went to Dick Tracy). It also lost in the Grammy’s (for Best Song Written for Visual Media) to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The theme song, “Somewhere in my Memory” was written to “run alongside” the movie – you can hear fragments of the theme throughout the movie.
This is a movie I really enjoy watching still today. I think the theme song is lovely – it covers all the elements to represent the movie: it sounds Christmassy (the opening phrase gives images of snow falling), there are sad passages and bright, happy passages as well as moments where the music swells with emotion or suspense.
Do you recognise this music when you hear it?
April 10, 2019 at 1:28 am
AHHHH yes! Christmas music when it’s not Christmas! I love it!
Ps: You were part of my “10 new blogs every day” for today! I added in another one since I had already read your post for the day. I think that’s how I found you last year! Aww the memories.
Have a great day! xoxo
April 11, 2019 at 12:26 pm
I think it was as well, GF. I was better prepared last year though so I am well behind in my reading. Looking forward to catching up on the weekend (I think you are near the end of my list, so when I get to you I know I’ll be nearly done).
April 10, 2019 at 2:43 am
I can see why Dances with Wolves won the Oscar. And again, like I’ve said every day this month, I had no idea John Williams composed the score to this film. He’s quite prolific.
April 11, 2019 at 12:27 pm
He’s prolific and diverse – and I think that’s why it is so surprising to find out what he has actually scored, because the scores are so musically diverse.
April 10, 2019 at 3:28 am
Yay, finally a (non-scary) movie I know pretty well! I even recognize the melody! Kevin pulled great pranks on those stupid robbers!
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2019/04/under-arrest-h-is-for-hung-jury.html
April 11, 2019 at 12:27 pm
I bet you’ve watched this with Colin, Tamara. My Barbarians loved the pranks Kevin pulled.
April 11, 2019 at 11:02 am
I don’t remember this one, despite having seen the movie. But I agree it is lovely!
April 11, 2019 at 12:28 pm
It’s funny the songs that stick in our heads. I’m a sucker for Christmas music which I think is part of the reason why I like this one so much.