The Venn diagram of those who love music and those who love musical theater isn’t two completely separate circles, but it’s not a total overlap either. Movie musicals aren’t to everyone’s taste, but to those obsessed with pop, jazz or even classical music, there’s no shortage of non-musical music films.
Many of these are biopics, such as Elvis (set to hit theaters by the end of June) and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (expected later in 2022). However, some films use music as a backdrop for a larger message. Jake and Elwood Blues in The Blues Brothers hilariously try to reunite their old R&B band, while at the same time trying to save the Catholic house they grew up in.
Ray (2004)
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Jamie Foxx tackles the role Ray Charles, as the film tells his life from growing up in the South, going blind at a young age, and his rise to become one of the most iconic blues musicians ever.
Ray was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Actor in a Leading Role. Foxx brilliantly portrays the ups and downs in Charles life, from conquering the piano to drug use. He overcame physical, personal and professional obstacles throughout decades in show business, showing people that nothing could stop him from achieving his goals.
August Rush (2007)
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A singer and a cellist spend the night together. Circumstances force the lovers to separate. Their child, thought dead, becomes an orphan and is determined to find his parents through his gift of music.
August Rush has a melodramatic and “Oliver Twist” feel, so a suspension of disbelief is needed to enjoy the movie. The acting is solid, especially Robin Williams, who plays the antagonist. The scenes where August plays the guitar sound amazing, emphasizing just how much of a prodigy he is. The key takeaway from the film is that music has a bonding, maybe even mystical power.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
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A wedding singer (Adam Sandler) and a waitress (Drew Barrymore) might be marrying the wrong people, as they soon realize they should be spending the rest of their lives with each other.
In one of Adam Sandler’s best roles, he excels alongside Barrymore. It’s believable that their characters should grow old together because the chemistry is so fluid. The songs Sandler’s character writes really express his feelings at the time he sings them — one comically angry, and the other during the climax of the film in which he confesses his love. It doesn’t hurt to have a Billy Idol cameo, either.
Amadeus (1984)
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The rise and fall of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is told through the eyes of an envy-consumed rival composer, Antonio Salieri, who hints at murdering him.
A best picture Oscar winner, Amadeus‘ ensemble cast delivers performances that are by turns charming, hilarious, and grippingly dramatic. Tom Hulce shows just how seemingly effortless Mozart’s transcendent genius came to him, while F. Murray Abraham masterfully portrays the jealousy and bitterness Salieri carries for having to live in Mozart’s shadow.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
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The story of legendary British rock band Queen is told through the eyes of its front man, Freddie Mercury. Not only does Rami Malek look like Freddie Mercury, he won an Oscar for his portrayal in 2018.
The film goes behind the scenes and shows some of the challenges that Queen faced on its rise to stardom. More specifically, it delves into Mercury’s personal life and how it affected the rest of the band members. Bohemian Rhapsody is a perfect title for the film in that the lyrics serve as symbolism for Mercury’s life. This makes the climax of the film, the Live Aid concert in 1985, even more impactful.
School of Rock (2003)
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After Jack Black’s guitarist slacker character gets kicked out of his rock band, he pretends to be a substitute teacher. Upon seeing the musically talented kids in his classroom, he devises a plan to enter them into Battle of the Bands.
The strength of School of Rock lies in its songs and characters. Sure, the students play stereotypes (the high energy boy playing the drums and the shy girl with an amazing singing voice), but Jack Black is the star for a reason. Being part of the band Tenacious D, his high energy is infectious.
Sound of Metal (2020)
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Winner of two Oscars, one for best sound, Sound of Metal explores what would happen if a heavy metal drummer lost his hearing.
The uniqueness of the film lies in its premise. How does someone adjust to no longer being able to do the one thing they loved doing? This premise automatically makes the audience sympathize with Ruben (Riz Ahmed), thus feeling his anger and sadness. Paul Raci plays a deaf mentor who helps guide Ruben. He teaches Ruben ways to manage such a big lifestyle change, which in turn teaches those watching the film who may be experiencing something similar.
Whiplash (2014)
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Director Damien Chazelle shows what happens when a bright-eyed drummer dreams of being one of the best of all time. The only thing in his way is an intimidating instructor who uses fear to get the best out of his students.
The highlight of Whiplash is J.K. Simmons who plays Fletcher, the no-nonsense band instructor. Fletcher is intimidating and commands the screen. The audience has no idea what he will do or when he will do it. His intentions are understandable but his methods are questionable. The film asks two big questions: How much emotional abuse can one take before cracking? And how much is one willing to sacrifice to be the best?
Green Book (2018)
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Green Book is, in a way, a reverse Driving Miss Daisy. “Tony Lip” (Viggo Mortensen) is an out-of-work bouncer who takes a job driving pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) through the Deep South as part of Shirly’s concert tour in 1962.
Mortensen and Ali’s character’s vast differences lead to some great situational comedy. As the film progresses, those differences become smaller, as Tony learns to quell his racism and Shirly learns to come out of his shell. The film cleverly uses music to better describe racism. In one scene, Shirly asks to use the bathroom, and is told to use the outhouse. He refuses, and goes all the way back to his hotel to use the bathroom there. As Shirley tells Tony, “Rich white people pay me to play piano for them because it makes them feel cultured”.
A Star Is Born (2018)
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This A Star is Born remake is directed by and stars Bradley Cooper. Jack (Cooper) is an aging but successful musician who falls in love with Ally (Lady Gaga) and helps her reach stardom.
This was an ideal role for Lady Gaga. Not only can she sing, but she showed off her acting chops as well. Cooper and Lady Gaga’s chemistry is off the charts, which makes their romance even more tragic. Both characters pay a price for their careers. Ally’s ascension comes at the cost of being sucked into the glitz and glamour of being famous, and she nearly loses sight of what her music means. Meanwhile, Jack is descending as he struggles with his own demons and personal addictions.
