Films are known for captivating scores and catchy soundtracks. Some musical films and biopics have gained recognition throughout the years. However, some of these films with heart and soul, have not received high rankings or recognition amongst audiences. These underrated films display the power of music through their captivating storytelling and overall soundtrack/score.

Many biopics try to capture audiences through color and iconic songs. These films flourish with an authentic outlook on the art. These films were made with respect and dedication to the art form. This makes them wonderful examples of how film and music are intertwined mediums. This article will serve the cinematic storytellers and musicians. For multifaceted artists, this article will be inspiring, and for art lovers, this will be informing.

1.) August Rush (2007) -Musical/Romance

August Rush was directed by Kirsten Sheridan, an Irish film director and screenwriter, who was also the director of Disco Pigs (2001) which starred Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy. The film stars Freddie Highmore (Evan Taylor), Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Louis Connelly), Keri Russell (Lyla Novacek), and Robin Williams (Maxwell ‘Wizard’ Wallace) as the main cast. The story centers on Evan, an orphan who has a spiritual connection to music and is musically gifted. He runs away from the orphanage and searches New York City for his birth parents. Then he meets Wizard, a homeless man who lives in an abandoned theater. He decides to profit off Evan’s talent and named him “August Rush.” Meanwhile, Evan’s parents are in search of him too.

The film captures the theme perfectly as the entire connection between the characters is portrayed through their shared moments of musical expression. The character Evan is pure-hearted as he meets many people and enjoys every style/genre of music he is exposed to. The film’s storyline is its primary outstanding quality, along with the score and soundtrack of the film itself. After all, you can’t enjoy a film on music with unappealing music. The drama of the film causes a deep connection to be formed as the viewer to the characters.

Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.

Why should you watch this film?

The film’s creative, inventive, variety of music tells the story so well and serves the theme perfectly. There is a mix of classical music, along with guitar instrumentals The plot is perfectly dramatic enough to support the message of the music but also manages to create an interesting narrative. The films romanticize the sense of sound and how much it drives life and artistic choices. It gives life a narrative which explains why music is so cathartic. The natural sounds of the city of New York are showcased properly, showing the deep-rooted history of the city. The acting of the ensemble is filled with talented performers who characterize the characters with memorable uniqueness. The city shows the simplicity of making music, what qualifies as music, and the exploration of it.

One of the most beautiful sequences that doesn’t include Evan, is of one of his friend. Arthur’s (Leon Thomas III) song called “Father’s song” is emotionally heartbreaking, especially after learning that he is also orphan in the streets. The moment has a pure element to it as the two children bond. Arthur senses that Evan wants something more personal from Arthur who was playing upbeat songs to garner attention from the crowds of NYC. The song lyrics include begging for an answer from the missing father figure in his life and asking to be rescued from his tortured life which is only kept alive by his music. He states he can’t do life on his own and hopes for an answer.

In-depth

Another scene that showcases the powerful connection of the actors with their impressive performances that serve the character well includes the scene where Evan accidentally meets his father, without either of them being aware, and they bond by playing the guitar, and the actors seem to display the sudden connection that they receive which shows the father and son bound they share. The creative playing of Evan surprises his father who is a proper musician. His father Louis plays hip/indie/rock type music and he also sings. Evan who never had music lessons has a knack for the guitar. He cleverly uses without strumming, picking the strings, and using the neck as a drum. Overall the film is powerful as the entire lesson is told through music intertwining the delicate characters. This leaves a great dynamic relationship with music and human connection.

2.) Sound of Metal (2019) – Musical/Drama

Sound of Metal was directed by Darius Marder. The film was nominated and won for Academy Award for Best Sound, and Best Film Editing, and was nominated for Best Actor in Leading Role for Riz Ahmed (Ruben Stone), Best Picture, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Paul Raci (Joe). It stars Riz Ahmed (Ruben Stone), Olivia Cooke (Lou), Paul Raci (Joe), Lauren Ridloff (Diane), Chris Perfetti (Harlan), and Mathieu Amalric (Richard Berger). The film centers on Ruben, a heavy metal drummer who begins to lose his hearing, fighting to find a way to continue his life and career with his girlfriend Lou.

The film manages to amplify the role of sound in Ruben’s life as it plays with silence and extremely heavy metal in different periods of the film. It takes us on a journey of the heartbreaking discovery of the character who loses the only sense he needs. The theme of sound and music plays a critical role in the film as this major discovery unexpectedly changes his life. The mood and atmosphere of the film feel sincere as it works honestly to serve the character and doesn’t try to romanticize or blur the lines of struggle. It keeps the experience honest and tries its best to serve the community it represents.

Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.

Why should you watch this film?

The use of music and sound as a storytelling device manages to tell the story in the most clear way possible. The music that is presented rives Ruben’s fiery, passionate, dedicated, and warm personality. The performances of Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, and Paul Raci set the raw and emotional atmosphere that was necessary to the plot and storyline. They characterize the story well in ways that might not have been replicated by other actors. The pacing of the film covers the plot properly while also setting the tone and atmosphere. This also aids the aesthetic of the film as the rock metal lifestyle seems to flow fluidly throughout the film, giving personality to the characters and the story.

The beginning scene of the film is the perfect introduction as the cinematography doesn’t make too many sudden movements. It remains still to allow the audience to understand the sincerity of the film showing true plot of the film. The lighting in the scene along with the slow zoom in is perfectly set and allows a taste of the metal world that is so central to his life. The few moments before he plays are filled with focus as we see the importance and meaning of drumming to him. It makes the future of the film much more heartbreaking. Ruben’s sweaty body and persistent eye contact with his girlfriend show the connection of their relationship. This turns out to be an extremely important part of the story.

In-depth

The relationship between Lou and Ruben is pure, as Lou says she leaves because she knows that Ruben needs to return to the community of deaf people he meets. He refuses to live his life and constantly searches for a cure or type of hearing aid. Lou says that when he hurts himself, it causes her to herself, so for both of their sakes he leaves. Lou’s understanding, in the beginning, shows the realism of relationships that suffer from life-changing medical conditions.

Rubens’s fate at the end of the film when he realizes that he will live better with silence than the rash and torturous sound of the cochlear implants, is a very deep message. The sound he hears explains exactly the title, Sound of Metal, the sound he hears sounds like that, but not the metal he plays. The expression of Ruben at the end shows the strength of the character we had been rooting for, who decides to live a new life. Overall the film is beautiful and shows the power of sound and music, and the amount of sacrifice people will endure for a life of hearing that they deserve.

3.) Fame (2009) – Musical/Dance

Fame was directed by Kevin Tancharoen, and the film was adapted from the Fame (1980) original. The 2009 version is loosely based on the 1980 version as they don’t go exactly according to the storyline or characters of the first. The story centers on students of acting, singing, music composing/musicians, filmmakers, and dancers. They all fight to earn a spot in New York’s High School of Performing Arts. Once they make it in, the storyline goes through the various leads as they navigate the struggles of mastering their chosen path. All while also struggling with regular school, young romance relationships, and self-doubt from failure. While the film focuses on all aspects of performing arts, music is the connecting factor there through vocal performances or musical production. A lot of the dialogue and emotion is carried through the music.

Overview

The film displays the theme of the power of music through a good representation of music in creative fields. It is also for dreams and aspirations of starting careers, hopes and dreams, and the harnessing of talent. The film’s pacing is divided into covering the overlay of each year of the student’s time at the school. It covers freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior years as a comprehensive story. it brings the conflict and escalation of responsibility through each year.

The film stars Kay Panabaker (Jenny Garrison), Naturi Naughton (Denise Dupree), Asher Monroe (Marco Ramone), Collins Pennie (Malik Washburn), Walter Perez (Victor Tavares), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Joy Moy), Kherington Payne (Alice Ellerton), Paul McGill (Kevin Barrett), Paul Iacono (Neil Baczynsky), and Kristy Flores (Rosie Martinez) as the main student cast. The faculty stars Kelsey Grammar (Mr. Joel Cranston), Charles S. Dutton (Mr. James Dowd), Megan Mullally (Ms. Fran Rowan), Bebe Neuwirth (Ms. Lynn Kraft), and Debbie Allen (Principal Angela Simms).

Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.

Why should you watch this film?

The film is an aesthetic of raw representation of artist development and has sometimes a documentary feel as the students are seen in their natural habitat performing. The combination of different art forms creates the enjoyment of the film as it brings the greatest element of performing arts to the screen. This idea is further explored in the film with the score and soundtrack. It manages to catch the moods that constantly shift with the multiple characters, but also along with the storyline. The characterization of the students and faculty set the tone of the film which includes this coming-of-age, along with hardworking dedication to talent, and soul searching. The characters learn many lessons throughout their four years which is representative of real students.

In-depth

The film has many iconic moments that truly capture the enjoyment and power of film also being extremely enjoyable and aesthetic. For example, the introduction to the film itself sets the tone as wee snippets of the students like, supported by the New York City hustle b-roll that sets the setting properly. The audition process is covered which is the engaging moment of the film which lets us know a little bit of each character’s motives.

Jenny is the student who is trying to loosen up to properly harness her acting skills, which she seems to struggle with despite her perfect student attitude. On the other hand, the boy who she ends up dating, Marco is the opposite of her, as his talent rather than work ethic and skill, is what carries him. His singing is delicate and emotional and certainly sets an example for Jenny to lose. This dynamic is further told through Ms. Fran Rowans as she expects the display of emotion in Jenny’s singing. Marco’s scene of singing “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Ella Fitzgerald is beautifully told through his singing, the teacher’s approval, and Jenny’s sadness of being anything less than perfect.

More

Another dynamic is the trio of Denise, Victor, and Malik who try to make it big with their music. Denise is originally supposed to be a classical pianist but her soulful singing is discovered by Malik who tens convinces Victor to make music. The idea is that different music gives different types of satisfaction, as Denise’s singing is seen as a rebellion against her father, while her classical piano playing is the conforming aspect her. The dynamic of her character is an interesting aspect of the story.

The difference between the impact of different music is shown through Victor’s instrumentals which attracts Alice a self-entitled dancer, who is also trying to please her parents but remains ownership over her own choices. While rebelling against her parents, but ultimately leaves Victor because she feels too good for him.

The filmmaker’s struggle with Neil is shown as he lacks story and drive, trying to make “De Niro’s type films.” Kevin, a dancer, is discouraged by Ms. Lynn Kraft who senior year says, he doesn’t have the potential to make a career out of dancing. This drives Kevin to be suicidal, and the scene is portrayed through the lack of dialogue and silencing music. Overall the film is a wonderful representation of music and other art forms showcased in a film which shows the same relationship.

4.) Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) – Comedy/Drama

Inside Llewyn Davis was directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen. The two of them also directed No Country for Old Men (2007) and The Big Lebowski (1998). Ethan Coen also directed Drive Away Dolls (2024). Joel Coen also directed Fargo (1996) and The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021). The film stars Oscar Isaac (Llewyn Davis), Carey Mulligan (Jean Berkey), John Goodman (Roland Turner), Justin Timberlake (Jim Berkey), and Adam Driver (Al Cody). The film centers on Llewyn Davis a folk singer in New York in 1961, who struggles to make a a name for himself in the music industry. He takes a journey traveling while relying on people he meets and his friends as he plays in bars and the streets.

The film has a comforting atmosphere as the folk music sets the mood of the film. The relaxing atmosphere takes you on a sweet and powerful journey on how music is the sole motivator for some people. Even if that includes sacrificing everything else. The film is inspirational as it doesn’t force a star out of Llewyn Davis. Folk music is about the people, after all, and Llewyn is more about himself and what he plays through this experience. The film represents the folk genre, which is unpopular with the younger generation today.

Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.

Why should you watch this film?

The color palette of the films sets the atmosphere and tone of the film. This helps suit the tone of the folk music. The music is filled with meaningful lyrics and beautiful instrumentals which are explored by Oscar Isaac, Justin Timberlake, and Carey Mulligan. The song “500 Miles” sung by Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, and Stark Sands, is a beautiful song that covers the journey of Llewyn Davis. The acting of Oscar Isaac is compelling and brings the perfect emotions of someone in his situation. He characterizes perfectly the facial expressions that speak a million words that his songs can’t.

The film has a greyer and cool town to it and there seems to be a hazy effect overall that shows Llewyn’s world. The music paints the color of the film and allows us to see the depressive attitude that Llewyn begins to adopt. It also adds to the 1960s setting that sets the colder season well. It gives the grimy effects of the street a bit better. This allows for us to sympathize better with Llewyn as he seems to feel down about the one thing he cares about.

In-depth

Lighting helps a lot with the mood as the darkness of the film creates an effective atmosphere effective component of tenebrism, an artistic quality of extreme light and dark contrast to create the element of drama. This aids the effect of music on Llewyn, especially when he is performing in clubs and bars. The few pops of color in the film include a scene in which Jean is performing “500 Miles” and she wears a red shirt. This shows how when she performs, she also comes out of her depressive face, which seems to loom over most of the characters. The color pops from the rest of the scenes and setting and shows something lively about her character. Overall the film is beautifully satisfying and proves the motivation and power of music.

5.) Love & Mercy (2014) – Musical/Drama

Love and Mercy was directed by Bill Pohlad who also directed Dreamin’ Wild (2022). It stars Paul Dano (Brian Wilson), John Cusack (Brian Wilson), Paul Giamatti ( Dr. Eugene Landy), and Elizabeth Banks (Ledbetter). The film centers on the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson who begins to suffer from schizoaffective disorder. As he has grown older, controlled abusively by Dr. Eugene Landy, he meets Melinda Ledbetter. The films cut back and forth between the 1960s when Brian was in the band making music and started to suffer from his mental illness. It cuts to the 1980s when Brian has aged and is at his most sickest. The parallel between the times shows how his life changed, and how he was abused, not finding hope until Melinda comes along.

The film is a nice mix of the past and present as learning about a real musician is shown and how powerful it can be despite the struggle of mental illness. Brian Wilson was much more talented than he was given credit by his father. His controlling therapist continued the cycle of abuse. The film tackles the difficult subjects of a real person while making sure to respect the craft and legacy of Brian Wilson. The representation of his love and dedication for music represents the power of music well. It also shows the relationship between cinema and music. Films can shed light on the world’s most successful musicians, through biopics.

Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.

Why should you watch this film?

This film covers the life of Brian Wilson in the well-made sequence of the narrative. His life is sequenced well as we get perfect amounts of performing and his present struggles as he is controlled and suffers from his therapist. It shows the progression of his mental illness and how it makes him struggle with the one thing that makes him the most fulfilled. He constantly hears sound in his head and it inspires his most creative songs.

The color palette of the film perfectly captures the Beach Boys’ aesthetic of colorful saturated colors. Even in the moments as an adult when he has left the band behind, the color remains showing how his identity remains. The musical choices that are included in the film include some of their most powerful and unique songs. Since this is a music biopic, the songs do matter and the ones chosen tell his story the best.

The power of Paul Dano manages to captivate every scene and the charisma he brings to the character on screen serves justice to Brian Wilson. He shows the passion of musicians through his emotional and sensitive performance, his choices are strong and convince the audience of the story. John Cusack also brings the emotional aspect as he depicts Brian in a more fragile state. He brings the perfect energy and performance to validate Brian’s struggles.

In-depth

A scene that shows the genius of Brian includes the parts where he dresses everyone in firefighter hats and runs around the studio in a frenzy. It shows the uniqueness of Brian and the quality of the video seems to be footage styled. It is quite a hilarious part of the film. However it also hurts to know that his mental state seemed to be getting worse, as the scene is followed by the pool scene. In the pool scene, he jumps in the water to try and silence the music and sounds in his head. The clashing of the songs along with Dano’s performance makes it heartbreaking. However, it also shows his ability to create the music.

Music in this film acts as a plague but also a beacon of hope. As Brian’s childhood is depicted as hopeless and discouraging, these moments of music-making allow him to be free. His desperation to show his sounds and dreams to his father is shut down, but music is his passion. He struggles for his dreams, but the film proves the influence that music has on his life. Overall, the film shows the capacity that music can have on the lives and dreams of great artists. It is a dedicated biopic to the artist Brian Wilson. It doesn’t shift the narrative off of music, so it serves the theme well, which some other biopics don’t.

Final Takeaway

The films represent the power of music in the lives of musicians. This inspires us to appreciate the beauty of sound. The cinematic representation serves music well and the use of music for films enhances the storytelling quality. These films were a testament to the relationship.