Caffeinated Clint
I was having coffee with Amy Adams a few years back (that’s how most of us begin conversations, right?) when we got talking about her upcoming role in Mike Nichols’ “Charlie Wilson’s War”. Amy had already worked with some of the best in the business at that stage, and yet, she was spinning at the prospect of getting to work with Nichols. As I remember it, Amy said she barely even glanced at the script for the film she was being offered – she simply agreed to do it based on the fact that Nichols was attached to direct. She also spoke of her first conversation with Nichols, and how he essentially – to rob a line from a popular Tom Cruise movie – had her at hello. The meeting with Nichols, though weeks before, had little Junebug lighting up like a Christmas tree. Adams was giddy. The movie hadn’t even started up yet, and already Amy loved the experience of working with Nichols. And I bet if you asked any of the other hundreds of actors – be it Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Harrison Ford, Clive Owen, Ben Kingsley et al – about working with Nichols, they’d tell a similar story.. one of how just being in the presence of such a gifted man was enough, let alone getting to collaborate with him.
But it wasn’t just those in front of the camera that were likely treated to a kindly, unforgettable union when working with Nichols; for the many musical artists that contributed to Nichols’ movies, I’m almost certain they’d credit the filmmaker with being largely responsible for the success they achieved for having their ditty overlayed the top of a Nichols’ scene.
Here’s 5 terrific songs that, because of their association with one of his movies, will always be associated with the movie magic of Mike Nichols :
Let the River Run – Carly Simon
That rousing, pre-end credits track from “Working Girl”. One just wants to jump on their feet and fist thump the air when they hear it! Goosebumps.
Coming Around Again – Carly Simon
A fantastically fitting theme for the Jack Nicholson/Meryl Streep flick “Heartburn”
Mrs Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel
Oh, bless! The theme from “The Graduate”
We Are Family – The Goldman Sisters
One can’t even think about the fabbo Robin Williams comedy “The Birdcage” without hearing this one!
The Blowers Daughter – Damien Rice
Beautiful song from Nichols’ “Closer”.
We’ll always have the movies… and also the music.
Thanks Mike.
