The best ever deployment of a pop song in a movie scene? Arguably.
The best opening sequence in cinema history? Possibly.
The most influential combination of sound & style in the ’70s? Undoubtedly.
Talking about Martin Scorsese is like describing The Beatles; even people who pretend to not fathom their influence will invariably name-drop other artists who would readily admit to being profoundly impacted. He went on to bigger (and better?) films, and flicks like Goodfellas and Casino are so replete with indelible soundtrack moments they’re easy to immortalize (it’s obligatory). But it’s Mean Streets that signaled the arrival of an audacious, fully-formed talent, and in some ways, the glorious buffet of musicians and genres utilized throughout his breakout effort remain his peak achievement in terms of exploding the possibilities of how popular music could (should) be utilized in film. Subsequent masters like PT Anderson and Wes Anderson are all standing on the shoulders of this diminutive Superman.
The delights and high points of Mean Streets are incalculable, and –for this fan– make it one of MS’s most consistently watchable and enjoyable films. And again, the deliberation put into choosing each song is considerable, and so deeply personal, MS literally expanded the cultural world. And it all begins with that aesthetic cannon blast of “Be My Baby.” It works, perfectly, of course, but one wonders: did he know right away, or did he spend time thinking, “I not only need to find the ultimate song, I need to make a statement.”
And whether immediately or as epiphany, he understood it could only be “Be My Baby,” one of the truly flawless singles of all time. Just contemplate the etymology of The Ronettes — incandescent lead singer Veronica Bennett rechristened as “Ronnie” Spector, (Spector, of course, being the megalomaniacal maestro, husband/producer Phil Spector). That’s *her* song, her band, and her moment, for all time. And best of all, for all we can say about this moment in this film, it also serves as a gateway to more of Ronnie’s music, which is a gift that never stops giving.
Big gratitude, love, and wishes for peaceful rest to our beloved Veronica. XO
