TIFF 2015: A Playlist of 15 Memorable Movie Tunes

As the Toronto International Film Fest drops the curtain on its fortieth fortnight, the final film to debut as part of this year’s big-name Gala programme comes courtesy of Spanish filmmaker Paco Cabezas. Though by no means a household name (yet), his action rom-com Mr. Right contains more than a few familiar faces including our future BFF Anna Kendrick and the always stellar Sam Rockwell. Given the hitman-with-a-twist pic also happens to star RZA (as all films should), it may not be too surprising to know that the movie also features some memorable tunes—not least of which is newbie indie band Saint Motel’s “My Type.”

But the musical memories didn’t just start with TIFF’s cinematic closer. From Bowie to Blur to Bruce Springsteen (to the most memorable use of ABBA since Muriel’s Wedding), this year’s full slate of films have seen some rather noticeable and effective aural accompaniments. So join us as we take a trip back over the past ten days with some favorite tunes and tracks from the movies that impressed.

The songs presented below are listed without surrounding context to spare you any spoilers (you’re welcome!) but just trust that they’re each memorable in their way! So without further ado, we present TIFF 2015: The Playlist. Naturally, there are 15 tracks, because we loves us some symmetry.

1. “My Type” – Saint Motel (featured in Mr. Right)
2. “Losing My Religion” – R.E.M. (featured in Miss You Already)
3. “Beetlebum” – Blur (featured in Kill Your Friends)
4. “The Night” – Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (featured in Northern Soul)
5. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (featured in Anomalisa)
6. “Dancing in the Dark” – Bruce Springsteen (featured in Maggie’s Plan)
7. “S.O.S.” – ABBA, version by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (featured in High-Rise)
8. “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” – The Platters (featured in 45 Years)
9. “My Funny Valentine” – Chet Baker (featured in Born to Be Blue)
10. “Cold, Cold Heart” – Hank Williams (featured in I Saw The Light)
11. “Brand New Key” – Melanie (another track featured in Northern Soul)
12. “Take Me Tonight” – Gene Pitney (featured in The Ones Below)
13. “Where the Wild Roses Grow” – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (featured in The Lobster)
14. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” – Procol Harum (featured in Stonewall)
15. “Starman” – David Bowie (featured in The Martian)

(Image courtesy of TIFF)

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