Some of the most iconic and powerful sequences in cinema are driven by their musical scores. As stand alone pieces, they have much in common with modern music videos. Here are some of my favourites.

The Truman Show

Truman Burbank begins to suspect a conspiracy... Set to Phillip Glass’s pounding “Anthem”.

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

The Ecstasy of Gold sequence from the Good the Bad and the Ugly. I first saw this as a rental from the library when I was sixteen. My Dad made a rare movie recommendation to me, saying it was the best film he’d ever seen. The final duel sequence, is also amazing.

Rocky

The training sequence that won Stallone an Oscar and spawned a dozen imitations (many directed by Stallone himself) . Root for the underdog!

Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now helicopter sequence. Coppola rebukes the US military’s actions in Veitnam by scoring the scene with Wagner, a favourite of the Nazis.

The Big Lebowski

Epic Coen brothers dream sequence featuring Kenny Rogers, during his early psychedelic period.

Reservoir Dogs

Stuck in the Middle indeed. The torture sequence that launched Tarantino's career.

Last of the Mohicans

The entire end sequence from the Last of the Mohicans.

Magnolia

The 'Wise Up' sequence. Feels more like a musical, but whatever.

2001: Space Odyssey

The space ballet sequence. I was in college and super baked when I saw this the first time. It was a religious experience. The stargate sequence's terrifying leap into the infinite should also be included.

Mean Streets

The opening credits lean heavily on the strength of the greatest pop song of the 60s. The Jumpin' Jack Flash sequence when Johnny Boy enters could also be included.

The Snowman

Walking in the Air, from the Christmas classic, the Snowman.