There’s something dangerous, yet playful to this song. It carries a very serious message and yet it flows so well with so many different situations in life that it’s hard not to attribute it to some of the more comical aspects as well. Maybe that was the genius of Jimi Hendrix, that he was able to take his rebellious spirit and add a bit of whimsy to his music so as to ensure that it wouldn’t be taken too seriously but it still wouldn’t be seen as a joke. This one song has been used in so many movies and TV shows that it’s a wonder it hasn’t been overplayed yet. But it remains a classic and one that gets people nodding their heads to the beat whenever it comes on.
Here are just a few movies in which All Along The Watchtower enhanced the overall experience.
5. Blue Chips
So admittedly I couldn’t find an adequate clip for this film showcasing the song, but it is in there. It comes along when the question of point-shaving arises, which as everyone knows is a giant no-no in any sport at any level. The song tends to lend a more serious and almost dire feel to the film when it enters, as Coach Pete Bell has to find a way to win while still keeping his integrity at the same time. “Did you shave points?” Remember the scene where he confronts Tony? The song is playing and it’s absolutely perfect.
4. Forrest Gump
As a back drop to this touching story Jimi Hendrix’s track is actually a nice addition. It doesn’t even matter that Forrest narrates over the music as it all seems to meld into one cohesive unit as the story goes on. Plus, the music definitely sets the scene that many men would like to forget from those horrible times spent in Vietnam. In Forrest Gump’s experience though it was just one long hike after another followed by periods of various activities that he performed without question.
3. A Bronx Tale
Danger seems to be the key note in the song as it highlights the decision of C to get into the car with his friends. There’s one thing about having friends like this that is so inherently dangerous. One, if you tell them no then they’ll act like gossip-mongers and you’re reputation in the neighborhood will be ruined. Two, if you tell them yes, there’s a huge likelihood you’ll end up dead. Say what you want about Sonny in this film, but he at least had the best interests of C in mind.
2. Vegas Vacation
Las Vegas is not the place you want to go if you have a huge bank account and a serious gambling problem. What’s Clark’s biggest issue? He can’t gamble, period. Even when Eddie takes him to a back country casino he loses what meager savings he had to begin with on games that kids play with each other. So yeah, the song definitely is used to portray danger and hilarity in this film.
1. Watchmen
Even superheroes need awesome soundtracks. Hendrix’s sound is one that fits with a number of genres so long as it’s used in the right way and the right scene. There are a lot of scenes in Watchmen that could have fit this song into them just perfectly, but this one seems to encapsulate the feeling and inherent danger that the tune represents the best.
The right moment for the right song should be a rule in Hollywood if it’s not already. By pairing movies with the music that best suits the overall feeling filmmakers are able to better identify with their audiences, which in turn makes the movie all the more memorable.
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