Today is September 5th, 2011. Freddie Mercury, front man for the rock band Queen, would have turned 65 years old today had he not passed away on November 24th, 1991 after a long struggle against AIDS. He was known for his charismatic rapport with audiences, bisexuality, and what may have been the most astounding overbite in rock and roll. Queen’s music was generally beloved by fans and its popularity and ability to get stuck in one’s head made it a natural pick for film soundtracks. Here are some of the more memorable examples (and you can find all the clips on YouTube).
Flash, Flash Gordon, 1980. In this so-bad-its good cult favorite, football hero Flash Gordon, crazed scientist Hans Zarkoff and love interest Dale Arden rocket to the planet Mongo to save the earth from the designs of the vile emperor Ming the Merciless. In addition to being the title track, this song plays during various action sequences. A particularly campy point is during Flash’s assault on Ming’s fortress near the climax of the film as he rides a “rocket cycle” through the sky. Careful observation reveals the rocket cycle to be an exercise treadmill. We Are The Champions, Revenge of the Nerds, 1984. The first installment in the Nerds series climaxes with geeky Gilbert and his cronies giving the dork version of the St. Crispin’s Day monologue, calling for the end of nerd oppression. Silly it may have been, but this rallying cry with Queen’s music for a background actually made an impression as a moving call for equal treatment for the cranially-endowed. The film is also one of Anthony Edwards’ early credits from long before he became a starring actor on ER. Princes of the Universe and Who Wants to Live Forever?, Highlander, 1986. This cult classic begat a series of bad sequels and a popular television series. Princes of the Universe plays as the title track. Connor MacLeod, of the Clan MacLeod, born normal, is mortally wounded in battle and discovers he is one of a race of immortals. The film was an exciting action-fantasy work. It also examined the question “Would living forever be a blessing or a curse?” Connor flees his village to escape the torch-and-pitchfork wielding masses who think he is in league with the devil because he survived his injury. He meets a woman named Heather, whom he marries. They build a home and a life in the Scottish Highlands. Who Wants to Live Forever? plays as we see a montage of imagery showing their life together. The mountains, rocks, and Connor all remain the same while Heather slowly ages and eventually dies of old age. It’s a testament to the idea that our days and loves should be treasured, as life is a fleeting thing. Bohemian Rhapsody, Wayne’s World, 1992. Wayne, Garth and their friends climb into a tiny AMC Gremlin, a car which has flames painted on it in what may be the greatest symbol of denial regarding just how awful that car actually was. Everyone’s had a moment in which they heard a great song on the radio and either sang or lip-synched along with it. This scene captures that moment perfectly. The car is awful, the friends are losers who are going nowhere, but the simple joy of singing along with one of the greatest rock songs of all time washes all their troubles and worries away. Under Pressure, Grosse Pointe Blank, 1997. Martin Q. Blank, played by John Cusack, is a hit man who returns to his home town to complete a contract on the weekend of his high school reunion. While competing to complete the contract against arch-rival Grocer (Dan Akroyd) and reconnecting with his teenage love interest Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver) he comes to terms with the need to leave his profession and settle down. A telling and touching moment, with Blank and a baby looking into each other’s eyes at the reunion dance, runs with Under Pressure as a surprisingly fitting background piece. Don’t Stop Me Now, Shaun of the Dead, 2004. This send-up of zombie movies stars Simon Pegg as Shaun, hapless loser. He and his roommate go about their day utterly failing to realize that the zombie apocalypse has begun till it literally almost jumps up and bites them. Trapped in a pub with a few other survivors and one ludicrously slow-moving zombie he and his friends set about trying to put an end to the shambling thing. One of them triggers the jukebox, which begins belting out Don’t Stop Me Now. Three of the survivors grab pool cues and spend a hilariously endless amount of time slapping the zombie in the head in approximate time with the music. Somebody to Love, Happy Feet, 2006. Happy Feet is a sort of hero’s journey tale starring animated emperor penguins. In the film penguins communicate through song. A penguin’s song is critical to its life journey, including how it chooses a mate. The lead female role is voiced by Brittany Murphy as the penguin Gloria. Her rendition of Somebody to Love is simply wonderful, powerfully voiced and laden with charm. The scene is choreographed well and makes a viewer wish a performance like it could happen in real life.
Happy 65th, Freddie Mercury. The music you and your band gave us is still every bit as amazing today as it was while you lived. You gave us music to remember and helped make films unforgettable. You and your talent are sorely missed.
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