Hit The Music: Nominees (and Winner) of the Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music, 1980
By Dylan Schmidt
During the “Pain Don’t Hurt” event at the Revival House, film fanatics witnessed Flash Gordon, a movie remarkable for being pretty terrible. One of the only things actually enjoyable for the right reasons in Flash is the soundtrack. Queen’s Freddie Mercury belts out the theme in a way that might make you believe the movie you’re watching is actually decent. For this Herculean effort, Gordon was nominated for the BAFTA award for film music, commonly referred to simply as the Anthony Asquith Award. In honor of our screening tonight, let’s take a look at the other nominees (and winner) of the Anthony Asquith Award from 1980.
Breaking Glass (Nominee, Hazel O’Connor)
Breaking Glass chronicles the rise, and subsequent fall, of a young rock star, Kate, from the London underground. Singer Hazel O’Connor portrays the lead, while also providing the soundtrack from her debut album of the same name. Full of new-wave goodness, Breaking Glass reached #5 on the British music charts and was certified gold.
Recommended Tracks: Writing on The Wall, Will You?, Eighth Day
Fame (Nominee, Michael Gore)
Ah, Fame. The iconic soundtrack, composed mainly by Michael Gore, perfectly blends the late 70’s and early 80’s sounds into an almost too-good-to-be-true sonic treat. The main theme (posted above) would rise through the Billboard Hot 100 to #4, be reused for the 1982 hit TV show, and was featured on AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Songs countdown of cinematic music.
Recommended Tracks: Fame, Out Here on My Own, I Sing the Body Electric
The Empire Strikes Back (Winner, John Williams)
I mean, was there ever any doubt? Empire, as well as the rest of the Star Wars franchise, features one of, if not the most, iconic orchestral soundtracks of all time. Helping John Williams nab one of his record-breaking seven wins of and sixteen nominations for the Anthony Asquith Award, Empire’s soundtrack is full of excitement, mystery, and joy that still has the ability to affect us some thirty-six years later.
Recommended Tracks: Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth, Jedi Master Revealed/Mynock Cave, The Asteroid Field
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A view from the crew at The Revival House, where we don't mind popcorn on the seats, sticky floors, and all the things that make going to the movies an event.
