Friday, June 11, 2010

Best Original Song - 1971

"The Age of Not Believing" from Bedknobs and Broomsticks sung by Angela Lansbury

Movie Synopsis: An apprentice witch, 3 kids and a cynical conman search for the missing component to a magic spell useful to the defence of Britain

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Philosophical rambling.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"Bless the Beasts and the Children" from Bless the Beasts and the Children sung by The Carpenters

Movie Synopsis: A group of social misfits band together and run away from summer camp. Along the way, they take up a crusade to save penned in buffaloes from a rifle club's slaughter.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"Life is What You Make It" from Kotch sung by Johnny Mathis

Movie Synopsis: An elderly man who runs away so as not to be put into a nursing home, and strikes up a friendship with a pregnant teenage girl.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.


"Theme from Shaft" from Shaft sung by Isaac Hayes

Movie Synopsis: Cool black private eye John Shaft is hired by a crime lord to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Mood setting badassery.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"All His Children" from Sometimes a Great Notion sung by Charlie Pride

Movie Synopsis: A family of fiercely-independent Oregon loggers struggle to keep the family business alive amidst changing times.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Mood.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-. 

So what won?
"Theme from Shaft" from Shaft




What would I have voted for?
"Bless the Beasts and the Children" from Bless the Beasts and the Children
Carpenters. It explains itself.

Analysis
Overall, a pretty lack luster year. "Shaft" is the only real gem because all the other songs are slow, easy listening fodder. No wonder it won.

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