The Best Music in Film

Kris Kristofferson

(Country singer/songwriter. Composed music for The Last Movie and acted in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and Heaven's Gate)

S&S: What is your favourite film soundtrack music and why do you like it so much?
"I thought Bob Dylan's soundtrack on Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) was awesome. It had the flavour of the film, it felt organic, emanating from the action. 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' took the Slim Pickens/Katy Jurado death scene to a new level of artistry and emotion."
S&S: In what ways does music best enhance a film?
"Music enhances a film by adding an emotional depth, of full colour, to the action. It attacks subconsciously through the emotions, bypassing the rational mind all together."
S&S: Which film either has music that you wished you'd written or is one you would like to rescore and why?
"O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), produced by T-Bone Burnett is another wonderful soundtrack, carrying the action like a ballad carries a story. A perfect combination. You don't know whether you just heard a great song or just saw a great movie."
Last Updated: 29 Sep 2008