1 post tagged “hannah and her sisters”

I caught Woody Allen’s latest film Vicky Cristina Barcelona and I’m pleased to announce he’s in top form again; brilliantly funny and insightful, stunning locales - Well, I never been to Spain - (but I sure want to go after seeing this), top production values and the acting is sharp especially Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.

What I found most fascinating, however, was the emotional response I had when the credits began to roll. Who could image simple white type over a black background (the font treatment is EF Windsor Light Condensed and there is a great blog post about it here) could inspire such warm feelings. I felt in the company of an old friend, our relationship forged by an emotional connection that stretched back some 30+ years. That familiar credit sequence was a personal guarantee of what was to unfold over the ensuing 90 minutes. And isn’t that essentially what a great brand does. Establishes a unique promise, creates an emotional connection with the consumer, and then keeps its word and delivers on all aspects of that promise. GM are you listening?

I was so engaged that I felt compelled to go watch a number of his older films; Hannah and Her Sisters, Crimes & Misdemeanors and Annie Hall.

In all of them his musical choices are sensational, acting as a Greek chorus, commenting on and foretelling plot developments. Here are the opening credit songs from both Vicky Cristina and the aforementioned Hannah and Her Sisters.

This jaunty opening number titled Barcelona not only introduces the two main characters of Vicky and Cristina, it also promises intrigue, sensuality, a bit of danger, and the foreign locale of the city itself. 

Listen carefully and you'll even hear a Theremin near the end of the track, which indicates a certain level of eccentricity will be added to the film's frothy mix. Earthy and vibrant, I’d add it and the rest of the soundtrack to the set list at your next Wine Tasting, which would also benefit greatly from the purchase of a few bottles of Tres Picos, a wonderful Garnacha.

Recorded in 1941, Harry James’ version of You Made Me Love You opens Hannah and Her Sisters. Note the way it instantly sets a romantic and nostalgic mood.  For me it captures the war years. While James’ trumpet finds a strand of sweetness, there’s still something very sad and gray about this song.

Perhaps it’s the lyric, “You made me love you. I didn’t want to do it, I didn’t want to do it.” Hmmm, maybe it’s me but that line leaves something less than a ringing, romantic endorsement to my ears. In any case, this one is ripe for cocktails or a birthday/anniversary mix for a family member over 75.

Finally, here’s a song that celebrates the finding of a few cherished friends who will walk side by side with us on this long, wacky road trip. From Simon and Garfunkel’s brilliant 1968 release Bookends, Old Friends caresses the listener with gentle, carmelized colors. Bittersweet strings counterpoint Paul and Art’s gorgeous harmonies, and the lyrics evoke memories of future day’s past from the perspective of a young man.  “How terribly strange to be seventy.”  Folks, I’m here to tell you this is good stuff. Call your oldest and dearest friends and let 'em know how you feel because it's getting late.