You should be dancing
March 27th 2008 21:10
After talking about the impending Fame remake over on Filmpeek, I started thinking about the combination of music and dancing in films. Costumes, music, vibrancy all mixed together can form a vivid, visual feast that sets those tootsies tapping. It’s a tenuous affair though; one dodgy pirouette and Cheese-Ville can call.
For me, when characters spontaneously cut a rug, it's more delectable if the film wasn't actually a musical. So, here are some films that sport an iconic, memorable dance sequence.
Pulp Fiction – Travolta is no stranger to the dance caper, but this is his coolest, most memorable f**k off boogie routine I’ve seen. And we mustn’t forget Uma, what a partnership. Who would’ve taken them on? Not me, no matter how fast I could get my feet to jive.
Reservoir Dogs – Another Tarentino classic. This one made me squirm in my seat and leave the room, but nonetheless it must be mentioned. The infamous 'ear scene' was originally set to the Sweet's Ballroom Blitz, but was later changed to Stealers Wheel's Stuck in the Middle with You. A perfect fit.
Swingers ¬ Despite its title, this film only has one dance scene. Jon Faureau & Heather Graham give the floor a good workout and show us a couple who don’t care what people think and know how to have fun.
Scent of a Woman – Despite finding this film frustrating and arduous, this tango is unforgettable without needing words.
Sixteen Candles – The infamous gym scene shrieks of cringeworthy teenage awkwardness.
Do The Right Thing - Rosie Perez set the tone for this controversial film by showing off some herky-jerky moves over the movie's opening credits and the pulsing beats of Public Enemy's, Fight the Power, an enigmatic song.
And finally, Saturday Night Fever - While the groove scenes were not a surprise compared to the other mentioned films, the content definitely was. John masters the dance floor with his slick moves, snazzy white suit and rigorous arm gestures. An absolute shuffle classic.
Feel free to share yours...
For me, when characters spontaneously cut a rug, it's more delectable if the film wasn't actually a musical. So, here are some films that sport an iconic, memorable dance sequence.
Pulp Fiction – Travolta is no stranger to the dance caper, but this is his coolest, most memorable f**k off boogie routine I’ve seen. And we mustn’t forget Uma, what a partnership. Who would’ve taken them on? Not me, no matter how fast I could get my feet to jive.
Reservoir Dogs – Another Tarentino classic. This one made me squirm in my seat and leave the room, but nonetheless it must be mentioned. The infamous 'ear scene' was originally set to the Sweet's Ballroom Blitz, but was later changed to Stealers Wheel's Stuck in the Middle with You. A perfect fit.
Swingers ¬ Despite its title, this film only has one dance scene. Jon Faureau & Heather Graham give the floor a good workout and show us a couple who don’t care what people think and know how to have fun.
Scent of a Woman – Despite finding this film frustrating and arduous, this tango is unforgettable without needing words.
Sixteen Candles – The infamous gym scene shrieks of cringeworthy teenage awkwardness.
Do The Right Thing - Rosie Perez set the tone for this controversial film by showing off some herky-jerky moves over the movie's opening credits and the pulsing beats of Public Enemy's, Fight the Power, an enigmatic song.
And finally, Saturday Night Fever - While the groove scenes were not a surprise compared to the other mentioned films, the content definitely was. John masters the dance floor with his slick moves, snazzy white suit and rigorous arm gestures. An absolute shuffle classic.
Feel free to share yours...
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Comment by Jarrah
Back to the Eighties
Do the Right THing!
Man I havnt seen that for years. Classic
- Jarrah
Back to the Eighties
www.backtotheeighties.net
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Thought I would throw in my two-penneth worth on this one.
How about Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, 'Dirty Dancing' or Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas, 'Save the Last Dance'
Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, 'Singin' in the Rain' or even Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice, 'Strictly Ballroom'
As outside roughies I throw in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, 'Swing Time' or the very hayseed (redneck dance styles) in Footloose.
Cheers
MNG
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
The end sequence of the ball is both nervewracking, Renaissance-beautiful and hauntingly idyllic.
Watch it on Youtube!
My review of the film
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I loved some of these, particularly Pulp F.
One of the ones that stands out in my mind is Children of a Lesser God, and i loved the mix of the neo-medievil version of "Fashion' in A Knights Tale.
Flashdance in its day and Yay! Footloose, and Strictly Ballroom... as For SNF.. oh what a trend-setter .. on that note, I also loved his routine in Stayin' Alive, too.
I just have to add that I found the quasi-serious, yet deathly Tango of Mr and Mrs Smith entertaining, as was the Tango between Gomez and Morticia in Addams Family Values.
Fun post, thanks for the visual 'fix.!
Lilla ...
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Great flicks with great dance scenes - loved the inclusion of Scent of a Woman, that tango was the best part of the movie.
Also agree with MNG's additions, though Save the Last Dance seems to copy Flashdance a bit to much in the final scenes. And Lilla's addition of Morticia and Gomez was great!
Mich
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I agree, those are some good films mentioned (might as blow my own horn while using a cliché).
I haven't seen Do the Right Thing for a million years either, it could be time for another whirl.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Your two-penneths are always welcome here.
Yes, I also thought about Swayze and Grey, that definitely is a dance that stands out. I haven’t seen ‘Save the Last Dance’ so I can’t comment. Well, I could, but I would have to make something up and that’s probably not fair.
Ooh yes, Singing in the Rain. Who hasn’t done that boogie with a brolly?
I must confess that I haven’t seen much of Fred and Ginger...tut, tut, maybe I should see if they’re on YouTube.
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
PS Ah yes, Footloose, what an 80s flashback that is...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I really wanted to see Russian Ark at the cinema but didn’t make it. I’ve hesitated at seeing it on DVD as it seems like a film that needs the big screen, but I could be wrong (sometimes that happens).
I’m going to look on YouTube for it. Thanks for the idea and I’ll read your review again.
Trace
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I haven’t seen Children of a Lesser God and I don’t know why. It’s one I always wanted to see and now I'm even more keen after your comments.
I think Flashdance, Footloose and Strictly Ballroom are going to be faves. I wasn’t that keen on Strictly Ballroom, I really didn’t gel with it.
There was a tango in Mr and Mrs Smith? That’s unexpected...
Ah yes, Gomez and Morticia always did it so well, great mention! They were such cool, sensual characters weren’t they?
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
How are you? Glad you enjoyed the intro
I agree, the tango in Scent of a Woman was a stand-out scene.
Yes, Gomez and Morticia were a fantastic mention. They did it so well...
Good to see you,
Tracy
Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I think DD is popular with many people,
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Pulp fiction is my favorite.
Others include:
Blues Brothers: dancing in the church aisles
Rocky Horror: Time Warp
Footloose: Embarassing teenage dance
Billy elliott: Dancing for the love of it
The Full Monty? does that count?
Great post
Mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I thought Pulp might be one of your faves! I also thought of Billy Elliot and The Full Monty. The Blues Brothers is a great one I didn't think of.
Rocky Horror and Footloose would be old faves for many people I would say.
Now I feel like dancing
Tracy