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In their discography, there are around 30 films/series that have somehow influenced their musical compositions
by Juninho
One of the reasons that makes Iron Maiden one of the greatest bands in rock history is undoubtedly the interesting themes explored in many of their songs. Literature, history, figures from humanity, occultism and Satanism (already discussed previously), astronomy, astrology, catastrophes, crimes, art, and cinema are some of the inspirations used when composing.
This time we're going to talk about cinema. The 7th art has certainly provided you with magical moments, as it has for Steve Harris and company. According to my research, the band's discography includes around 30 films/television series that have somehow influenced the musical composition process, the vast majority of which are of excellent quality.
In this article we will briefly discuss the meaning of Iron Maiden's songs influenced by the 7th art, focusing more on the films and series that served as inspiration. I hope to contribute with options for Wikibrothers' leisure time, after all, it's much better to spend a free afternoon watching films that add intellectual value than wasting time with the garbage broadcast on TV.
My tip: watch the movies and then listen to the songs along with the lyrics. Headbanging is optional, but highly recommended.
Have fun!
Juninho
\,,/
Phantom of the Opera (from the 1980 Iron Maiden album)
Certainly one of the band's best songs of all time. It wasn't based on any film, nor on the excellent Broadway musical, but rather on the classic novel of the same name, written by Gaston Leroux (1910).
This time the focus of this article is not on books, but I decided to include "Phantom of the Opera" on this list because the 1925 and 1989 films are very good. It's a story of love, fame, and jealousy, involving a protagonist who is sometimes grotesque, but with an engaging psychological complexity.
If a trip to New York isn't in your future plans, an easy and quick way to watch the best adaptation of all, the Broadway show, is through YouTube. It's worth it!
Transylvania (from the 1980 Iron Maiden album)
This instrumental piece takes its name from the historic region located in central Romania, known worldwide for its association with vampires.
Francis Ford Coppola's film "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992) certainly didn't influence the composition, but because it's an excellent film adaptation, it's worth mentioning.
The Twilight Zone (from the 1981 album Killers)
There is an American television series with the same name as this song (in Brazil the series is known as "Além da Imaginação"). The intention is to tell different stories about ordinary people who become involved in extraordinary, usually supernatural, situations.
In one particular episode (likely the inspiration for the song), there's the story of a lonely spirit who observes his beloved and orchestrates her death so they can reunite in the spirit world. I'm not familiar with the series, but it's usually very well-reviewed by critics.
Children Of The Damned (from the 1982 album The Number Of The Beast)
Music featuring chilling interpretations by Bruce Dickinson. It is based on the film of the same name directed by Anton Leader (in Portuguese the title is "A Estirpe dos Malditos").
Great fun for those who enjoy science fiction, the film tells the story of six children with extraordinary intelligence who are taken to London to be studied by scientists.
"Children of the Damned" is based on another film called "Village of the Damned" (1960), remade in 1995 with a script that tells the story from a more terrifying perspective. Film critics don't usually look favorably on the 1995 remake, which I personally like. In any case, all three films are very good and worth recommending.
The Prisoner and Back In The Village (from the albums The Number Of The Beast from 1982 and Powerslave from 1984, respectively)
Two songs based on the British TV series "The Prisoner," which consisted of 17 episodes and first aired in 1967/1968.
Starring Patrick McGoohan, it tells the story of a former secret agent who is imprisoned in a surreal coastal village, subjected to strange forms of psychological torture by his captors, who want to discover the reason for his abrupt resignation.
The original series is amazing and well worth watching. A remake with the same name was made in 2009, but I haven't seen it. The only thing I can say about it is that the reviews from critics aren't very favorable.
The Number Of The Beast (from the 1982 album The Number Of The Beast)
Music based on a nightmare Steve Harris had after watching the movie "Omen II" (1978).
The series, which includes 5 films, tells the story of Damien, the son of the devil, the antichrist. Simply a horror classic. My favorite film in the series is precisely the second one.
Where Eagles Dare (from the 1983 album Piece Of Mind)
Based on the film of the same name, this great song opens one of the band's best albums, Piece Of Mind.
In this 1968 action film, Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood play two army officers tasked with the extremely dangerous rescue of an American general held hostage by the Nazis at a base in the Bavarian Alps. A breathtaking film! In Brazil: “Desafio das Águias” (Challenge of the Eagles).
Quest For Fire (from the 1983 album Piece Of Mind)
The song shares the same name as the 1981 Franco-Canadian film (known in Brazil as "Guerra do Fogo").
The film is set in prehistory and shows three members of a tribe searching for a source of fire. It's a fascinating and very well-done analysis of the group behavior of human ancestors. Highly recommended for anyone interested in anthropology.
To Tame A Land (from the 1983 album Piece Of Mind)
During the World Piece Tour, Bruce Dickinson gave a beautiful explanation about this song:
“Regarding the next song, it’s about a gentleman who wrote a science fiction book called Dune. This American, named Mr. Frank Herbert, is actually a son of a b****, because, among other things, he said that if we called the song Dune, he would sue us, prevent the circulation of the record, and all sorts of unpleasant things. So we had to change the name of the track to To Tame A Land.”.
The song is yet another epic written by Steve Harris. It was based on the book (which is much better than the film adaptation), but the 1984 and 2000 films are also very good and worth an afternoon with the family in front of the TV.
This is an incredible futuristic science fiction story set in an intergalactic empire. The governmental structure in the work is very reminiscent of feudalism, serving as a backdrop for discussions involving politics, ambition, lust, religion, technology, and human relationships. The 1984 adaptation features Sting (The Police) in the cast.
The song lyrics don't make much sense to those unfamiliar with Dune, so it's worth watching the movie, at least.
Flash Of The Blade (from the 1984 Powerslave album)
This song wasn't influenced by any particular film, but I decided to include it because it's part of the soundtrack of the intriguing Italian thriller "Phenomena".
A girl with the ability to communicate with insects goes to a boarding school where a brutal killer terrorizes the place. A good choice for a rainy Saturday night.
The Duellists (from the 1984 Powerslave album)
Based on the excellent film of the same name that starred Ridley Scott in 1978.
During the Napoleonic era, two French army officers insult each other, leading to a lifelong feud. They engage in constant duels, seeking justice and preserving their respective honors. The fight choreography is amazing.
Caught Somewhere In Time (from the 1986 album Somewhere In Time)
The band never confirmed it (not that I know of), but some cite that the song was based on the 1979 film "Time After Time." I personally don't believe that this film could have inspired the opening track of the album. Nor do the lyrics seem to have much relation to the film's plot, which tells the fictional story of writer H.G. Wells chasing Jack the Ripper in a time machine.
Critical opinions are not uniform, and I can't really offer much of an opinion since I've never seen the film.
The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner (from the 1986 album Somewhere In Time)
I don't know if there is any official distribution in Brazil of this good 1963 British film that shares the same name as the song.
It tells the story of a young man serving time in a reformatory who gradually rediscovers his rebellious nature while being encouraged by the institution's director to practice athletics. Directed by Tony Richardson, best known for the excellent film that won 4 Oscars, "Tom Jones".
Run Silent, Run Deep (from the 1990 album No Prayer For The Dying)
Released in Brazil under the terrible title "The Sea Is Our Grave," this 1958 film stars Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. The story takes place during World War II and depicts the obsession of a US Navy commander to find the Japanese destroyer that sank his ship. A tense and captivating film, a classic of cinema.
No Prayer For The Dying (from the 1990 album No Prayer For The Dying)
I believe that only the title was inspired by the 1987 film "A Prayer for the Dying" (known in Brazil as "Prece Para Um Condenado"), since the lyrics bear no relation to it.
The plot revolves around an IRA (Irish Republican Army) terrorist who, after accidentally attacking a school bus, tries to leave the organization.
Personally, I didn't like the movie very much. The theme is much more promising than the finished work.
Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter (from the 1990 album No Prayer For The Dying)
The original version of this song was composed by Bruce Dickinson and Janick Gers for the soundtrack of the film "A Nightmare on Elm Street 5," another one starring the killer Freddy Krueger. This movie isn't worth it unless you have the mental age of a child and crave some silly scares (even then, it's difficult for this movie to scare anyone...).
The Fugitive (from the 1992 album Fear Of The Dark)
Based on the series of the same name, which aired between 1963 and 1967. I haven't watched the original series, but critics recommend every episode. There's also the award-winning 1993 film starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, which is very good.
The plot follows a doctor wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Escaping custody, he must stay one step ahead of the police to find the real killer, becoming a national fugitive.
Sign Of The Cross (from the 1995 album The X Factor)
Although Umberto Eco is supposedly referenced in the chorus of this song, the lyrics don't seem to relate to his most famous work. The song likely speaks of an innocent person being judged and condemned by the Inquisition. However, despite the uncertainty, many associate the song with the book and film "The Name of the Rose," a work that is well worth reading.
The award-winning film "Der Name der Rose" tells the story of dark murders investigated in an isolated medieval abbey by the skeptical monk William of Baskerville and his pupil. The cinematography, costumes, and setting of the film are fantastic, but I didn't like (personal opinion) the screenplay adaptation. Tip: read the book, which has a Portuguese translation, and then watch the film. Every minute spent with this great work is an intellectual investment.
Lord Of The Flies (from the 1995 album The X Factor)
Music based on the novel by William Goldwyn, which was made into a film in 1963 and 1990. I'm not sure if Steve Harris and Janick Gers first encountered the film or the book.
I haven't read the book or seen the 1963 film, but I can say that the 1990 remake is very good. Critics prefer the first film, saying it's more faithful to the novel, which has also been praised.
In Brazil, the remake is called "Lord of the Flies" and tells the story of a group of children trying to survive on an island after a shipwreck. Although some try to be more rational, the film shows the situation descending into savagery.
An interesting story created by Goldwin, who was a teacher and likely captured on paper the inherent cruelty of human nature that he observed in his students.
Man On The Edge (from the 1995 album The X Factor)
Music based on the classic afternoon/hot screen movie, directed by Joel Schumacher, "Falling Down" (in Brazil, "Um Dia de Fúria").
Michael Douglas plays a man who loses his mind amidst social stress and has a violently psychotic breakdown. If you haven't seen it yet, make it a priority, as this film is practically a unanimous favorite in 90s popular culture.
Regarding the song, in my opinion, it's the one that sounded best with Blaze Bayley's voice during his time with the band.
The Edge Of Darkness (from the 1995 album The X Factor)
Music based on one of the best films in history, "Apocalypse Now," by director Francis Ford Coppola.
Coppola, in turn, was also inspired by the work of Joseph Conrad, called "Heart of Darkness," which was also made into a film in 1994 (I haven't seen this film nor read the book).
"Apocalypse Now" takes place during the Vietnam War. Captain Willard is sent on a dangerous mission into Cambodia with orders to assassinate a deserter colonel who has apparently gone insane and taken refuge among the local natives. The cast includes Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando.
I recommend the extended version re-edited by Coppola himself in 2001. Simply sensational!
The Clansman (from the 1998 Virtual XI album)
Music inspired by two films that deal with Scottish historical events, "Braveheart" (released in Brazil as "Coração Valente" in 1995) and "Rob Roy" (released in Brazil as "A Saga de Uma Paixão" also in 1995).
"Braveheart," starring and directed by Mel Gibson, is a Hollywood epic. The film portrays William Wallace, a Scottish warrior, patriot, and hero of the country's independence. The only thing that can be criticized is the fact that Gibson opted for a more romantic and less bloodthirsty image of the protagonist. Otherwise, it's a great film, one of those that make their mark on lists of the greatest productions in cinema.
“Rob Roy” is a less lavish production, but it's worth a Saturday night. It tells the story of Robert Roy MacGregor, who was also a Scottish hero, marginalized for his conflicts with feudal lords of the time.
Regarding the music, I have to confess: how much Bruce's voice was missed in the band…
The Wicker Man (from the 2000 album Brave New World)
Based, like the music video, on the celebrated 1973 cult film of the same name (in Brazil, O Homem de Palha).
The film tells the story of a police officer sent to a Scottish village to investigate the alleged disappearance of a girl. The problem is that the locals claim she never existed. Surprising ending.
I highly recommend this classic in its original version with Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward. Avoid the 2006 remake, as it doesn't hold a candle to the first.
The Mercenary (from the 2000 album Brave New World)
The song is basically about a professional killer. It's impossible to read the lyrics and not think of the 1987 film "Predator," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. In fact, many fans associate the film with the song, but I've never read anything to confirm this.
The film is worth watching, as it's a classic from the 80s generation. It all takes place in a South American forest, where a creature called "diablo" by the natives hunts humans as trophies. A good choice for a rainy afternoon.
The Nomad (from the 2000 album Brave New World)
The music evokes the atmosphere of the desert and the Bedouins. It's also impossible not to associate it with the magnificent classic "Lawrence of Arabia." Likewise, I've never read anything confirming the use of the film as a direct reference, but since it's excellent, the recommendation stands.
This is the true story of T.E. Lawrence, an eccentric and controversial British military officer who served as liaison between the British army and the Arab rebels in their fight against the Ottoman Turks and their expansion across the Arabian Peninsula.
Out Of The Silent Planet (from the 2000 album Brave New World)
According to Bruce Dickinson, the song was based on the 1956 science fiction film "Forbidden Planet," which in turn is inspired by William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest." It is in this play that the expression "Brave New World" is introduced.
Personally, I can't connect all parts of the lyrics with the good movie, which even inspired the Star Trek series.
In the distant future, the crew of a spaceship investigates what happened to a previous expedition sent to a silent planet. Two survivors and a deadly secret await them. A good film for science fiction lovers.
Dance Of Death (from the 2003 album Dance Of Death)
The idea for the song originally came from Janick Gers, inspired by the 1957 classic "Det Sjunde Inseglet" or "The Seventh Seal" by director Ingmar Bergman. However, the lyrics written by Steve Harris also add the setting of the American Everglades and the voodoo rituals practiced there.
In the film, a medieval knight plays chess with the personification of death, who is about to take him. The setting created by Bergman serves as a backdrop for discussions about life, death, and the existence of God. Brilliant!
The Longest Day (from the 2006 album A Matter Of Life And Death)
The song is about D-Day and Operation Neptune, which led to the Allied landings in Normandy, a decisive event for the start of the victorious incursions during World War II. I've never read anyone from the band confirming it, but I don't believe it's a coincidence that there's a 1962 film with the same name and theme as the song.
Released in Brazil as "The Longest Day," this excellent production attempts to portray D-Day on a broad scale, showing both the Allied and German perspectives. Without a doubt, it's worth watching.
When The Wild Wind Blows (from the 2010 album The Final Frontier)
With lyrics inspired by the animated film When the Wild Wind Blows (1986), directed by Jimmy Murakami, the film tells the story of an elderly couple living in the countryside who prepare for a nuclear catastrophe. The film is a mix of drawing and stop-motion animation. A very good and sensitive piece of work.
In the beautiful song, Steve Harris writes the lyrics in a more ironic way and with a different ending than what happens in the film. However, both are worth the time spent.
Notes:
Heaven Can Wait (from the 1986 album Somewhere In Time)
For clarification: there are two American productions that bear the name of this song, one from 1943 and another from 1978. As neither served as the basis for the creation of this song (and they are not cinematic masterpieces), I will not go into details.
Alexander The Great (from the 1986 album Somewhere In Time)
Obviously, the music wasn't influenced by any film. I just wanted to leave this note, especially for younger headbangers: if you're interested in learning about the famous Macedonian emperor, don't use Oliver Stone's terrible 2004 film.
Rainmaker (from the 2003 album Dance Of Death)
It has the same name, but it wasn't inspired by the 1997 film by director Francis Ford Coppola. Regarding that film, Coppola has far superior works to this one…
*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.
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