The Artist Known As Prince- Classic Films & Major Soundtracks
Prince, (birth name Prince Rogers Nelson), one of the greatest musicians of many generations is well known to all for his great music and spectacular performances. These are the films inspired by and created through his music.
Purple Rain
Purple Rain is one of the most successful, well-known films featuring Prince and his music. This story sets in the 80s during the steady progression of the Minneapolis sound. The film is sort of an unofficial biography of the musicians' life as he plays "The Kid" (which is actually a real-life nick-name) who is trying to keep his band The Revolution (another real-life reference) together while he struggles with fears of repeating the mistakes of his father, who is a former musician. Prince's performance shines in this film. As with many of his movies, it fluidily fuses great stage performances which features songs by Prince & The Revolution, Morris Day & The Time, and Apollonia 6 (formally Vanity 6). This story is truly gritty, yet insirational. It touches on issues of romance, family, domestic violence and what it means to give your heart authentically to your craft, and in this case, to the stage. Fans of this film can agree that although loosely based, this film is a beautiful testament to the quality arch of the musician's popularity and rise to fame.
Soundtrack Listing:
Let's Go Crazy
Take Me with U
The Beautiful Ones
Computer Blue
Darling Nikki
When Doves Cry
I Would Die 4 U
Baby I'm a Star
Purple Rain
Under the Cherry Moon
Shortly after Purple Rain, Prince writes, directs and stars in Under the Cherry Moon. He plays the role of a street-smart gigalo named Christopher Tracy. He and his partner Tricky, played by Jerome Benton of The Time are a pair of musicians living off the wealthy women of France. Tricky reels them in and Christopher ravishes them right our of their money. When the two need to get back to the states, Christopher opts to bait the next rich and hopelessly naive sponser. He then decides to crash the party of heiress Mary Sharon, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, with plans to drain her of her trust fund. During the dance of seduction, Christopher becomes smitten by Mary and what starts out to be a plot for money turns into a battle for their true love despite the star crossed condition of lower and upper class conflicts. This film is a classic love story, taking a bit from Romeo and Juliet, but with a lot more jazzy edge. The film is shot in black and white which pays homage to the classic film noir age.
Soundtrack Listing:
Christopher Tracy's Parade
New Position
I Wonder U
Under the Cherry Moon
Girls & Boys
Life Can Be So Nice
Venus de Milo
Mountains
Do U Lie?
Kiss
Anotherloverholenyohead
Sometimes It Snows in April
Sign o' the Times
Sign o' the Times is another film directed, written and featuring all songs by Prince. The film features concert footage with theatrical interludes which transition well into his medly of music. Band features include The Revolution (former members), dancer Cat Glover, and drummer Sheila E.
Soundtrack Listing:
Sign o' the Times
Play In the Sunshine
Little Red Corvette"/"Housequake
Slow Love
I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man
Hot Thing
Now's the Time" (Charlie Parker cover by the band excluding Prince)
Drum solo by Sheila E.
U Got the Look
If I Was Your Girlfriend
Forever in My Life/It
It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night
The Cross
Graffiti Bridge
Directed, written and starring Prince, as a sequel to Purple Rain, Grafitti Bridge is a follow-up to "The Kid's" future life success as a club owner and performer. Morris Day returns as the rival competitor musician and co-owner of "The Kid's" club, which he threatens to destroy if he does not willingly give it up along with his desire to play music that is more spiritually awakening. Meanwhile, he also struggles with the lack of support from others who refuse to open their ears to the new spiritual sound that echoes his true calling to play music that speaks to the soul. In this story, he is being led by the guidance of a guardian angel or guide, named Aura, played by Ingrid Chavez, who later becomes a love interest that will help him to be true to his music and sprituality. The film delivers a strong message about the power and influence of music, creativity, poetry, and the spiritual essence of the message that "Only love conquers all".
Soundtrack Listing:
Can't Stop This Feeling I Got
New Power Generation
Release It
The Question of U
Elephants & Flowers
Round and Round
We Can Funk
Joy In Repetition
Love Machine
Tick, Tick, Bang
Shake!
Thieves in the Temple
The Latest Fashion
Melody Cool
Still Would Stand All Time
Graffiti Bridge
New Power Generation
Batman Soundtrack
Other Major Film (Full Soundtracks By Prince)
Batman
Who can forget the original Batman film featuring the soundtrack by Prince. This was a very classy, sexy album that fused pop sound with the signature funk that Prince gives us in all of his music. It blended very well with the cinematic vision of the original Batman, with some pretty memorable scenes featuring Jack Nicholson as the Joker playing "Partyman" and "Trust" in the background.
Soundtrack Listing:
The Future
Electric Chair
The Arms of Orion
Partyman
Vicki Waiting
Trust
Lemon Crush
Scandalous!
Batdance
Girl 6 Soundtrack
Girl 6
Spike Lee's Girl 6, about an aspiring actress turned phone sex operator, features all songs by Prince. The soundtrack really grooves well with the vibe of the story. Popular Prince songs compliment and liven the richness of what we see onscreen.
Soundtrack Listing:
She Spoke 2 Me
Pink Cashmere
Count the Days
Girls & Boys
The Screams of Passion
Nasty Girl
Erotic City
Hot Thing
Adore
The Cross
How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?
Don't Talk 2 Strangers
Girl 6
Prince Collection
Other Features & Directed Videos
3 Chains o' Gold (video)
Prince: The Hits Collection (video documentary) (video "Raspberry Beret")
Prince: Diamonds and Pearls (video)
Gett Off (video)
© 2011 Latasha Woods