Vangelis’ Dramatic “Chariots of Fire”

When talking about overused music in visual media, we often think of those songs or pieces that we have seen being used several times in films and tv. However, there are songs that are not only used for film and tv, but also for commercials and large promoted events. Some have even become the unofficial theme song of a specific event, just as Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire” did.

History

 

This instrumental masterpiece was written and recorded by a Greek musician professionally known as Vangelis. Originally created as the title song for the 1981 film of the same name, “Chariots of Fire” was used for the film’s opening title sequence. This historical sports drama uses the theme during an iconic and cinematic slow-motion of the main characters running, training for the 1924 Paris Olympics. The music capturing the scene’s liberating joy of running. It became so iconic rather quickly, that it appeared on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart after its debut. 

 

Vangelis intended to create a piece that was influenced by the Victorian concept and imagery of the film, resulting in a piano instrumental. However, for its later use in a Melissa Manchester’s album in 1982 titled Hey Ricky, lyrics were added to the composition by Jon Anderson.

According to some sources, the piece has previously been accused of plagiarism by another Greek composer by the name of Stavros Logaridis for their song titled “City of Violets”. The lawsuit came to an end after Vangelis persuaded the judge to believe that he has no opportunity to hear Logaridis’ piece before “Chariots of Fire” was composed. The other way he convinced the judge on trial, was by explaining to them that the alleged key musical sequence plagiarism, was a common thing in music at the time, supporting it with examples.

How is it used?

“Chariots of Fire” has been used in various films, television programs, commercials, and sporting events. When utilized, listeners are quick to identify it as a fanfare sports heroism theme. The piece is most often used for training montages and slow-motion sequences or parodies of the sports genre. Often these parodies are found in the comedy genre, such as in the film Bruce Almighty (2003), directed by Tom Shadyac, and in the 2005 animated film Madagascar, directed by Tom McGath and Eric Darnell.

 

The piece has also become a synonymous theme for the Olympic games, especially considering that the content of the film that the piece was written for was about the games. The theme has since then been used plenty of times for the event. It became the official theme for the 1984 Winter Olympics, for the 100m men’s race in the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the lead-up to the 2012 Summer Olympics to name a few. Most prominently used in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, during the opening ceremony featuring Mr. Bean, and the medal ceremonies during the games. 

Some other notable uses:

• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – directed by Harold Ramis
• Mr. Mom (1983) – directed by Stan Dragoti
• Happy Gilmore (1996) – directed by Dennis Dugan 
• Good Burger (1997) – directed by Brian Robbins
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – directed by Ron Howard
• Old School (2003) – directed by Todd Phillips
• Kicking and Screaming (2005) – directed by Jesse Dylan
• Doogie Howser, M.D. “Thanks for the Memories” (S3,E23) – directed by David Carson
• The Office “Local Ad” (S4,E9) – directed by Jason Reitman
• Sesame Street “Chariots of Fur” (S15) – directed by Chuck Jones
• Apple First Macintosh Advertisement (1984)
• Airborne Express Commercials (1983)
• Duracel Commercial (1991)

 

Classic or Cliché? 

 

Although this iconic piece has become the theme for inspired athletes everywhere, and has become an unofficial theme for the Olympic games, it has more often been overused in parodies. Younger audiences today, are completely unaware of the existence of the Chariots of Fire film as it is, and often find themselves knowing the piece from the various parodies of that iconic scene. It has become a cliché for a comedic and dramatic scene in several forms of visual media.