Each week I choose a song from a movie which may be popular or not. The only criteria is that its a great song and it fits the scene in the film perfectly. Let me know if you agree.
“Windmills of your Mind” – Sting
Windmill of your Mind was written by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman (lyrics) and the music by Michel Legrand and was originally used in the 1968 version of The Thomas Crown Affair which starred Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway.
The song in the origional film was sung by Noel Harrison and was used in a scene were McQueen was piloting a Glider whilst being watched on the ground by Faye Dunaway. The song beautifully matched the action and made me want to try my hand at gliding.
This version of the Windmills of your mind by Sting was used in the 1999 remake Starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo however the song was used in the title sequence rather than the glider scene. But its such a great track I chose the sting version..
The story is that of a self-made billionaire Thomas Crown who is bored of being able to buy everything he desires. But there are a few things even he can’t get, therefore Thomas Crown has a secret hobby: He steals priceless masterpieces of Art.
After the theft of a famous painting from Claude Monet, the only person suspecting Thomas Crown is Catherine Banning. Her job is to get the picture back, no matter how she accomplishes her mission.
Unfortunately, Catherine gets involved too deeply with Thomas to keep a professional distance to the case. Fortunately, Thomas seems to fall for her, too. The heist in the film is confusing to say the least but is brilliantly executed
Although the film received mixed reviews its worth watching just for the glider ariel shots alone. The soundtrack is brilliant and this track just pipped Nina Simone’s Sinnerman which was used for the Heist scene.
John D Eccles 
Nice blog and liking your track of the week, memories brought back and some good nudges for film viewing, thanks
Thanks for your kind words. I am always looking for great tracks to listen to and great films to watch. Music at my age brings back all sorts of memories.
Yeah know the feeling. Local Hero a fav of mine but can recommend Goodbye Lenin
Great film. Is the track your thinking of Comptine D’un Autre Été: L’après Midi by by Yann Tiersen?
Yes is is and I didn’t realise it was used on both this and Amelie. Learn something new everyday.
I love this song. I tried to watch the Brosnan version of the movie, but I am too much a fan of the McQueen/Dunaway version. I didn’t know Noel Harrison did the original. I like both versions of the song.
This is a great recurring theme on your blog; I will watch for future versions.
I love rom-com too. Two films in the genre that have great soundtracks are When a Man Loves a Woman (Meg Ryan, Andy Garcia), and Hope Floats (Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr.). However, I’d have to watch them again to see how the songs match up with the scenes.
So often nowadays, the music is only ever heard over the closing credits!
The original film had a slightly different story, Steve McQueen was a bank robber. When they made the remake the producers didn’t think the audience would be as understanding, so they made him an art thief.
Thanks for your suggestions I will check them out.
Have a great week.
McQueen and Dunaway were SO sexy!!
I have to agree, the remake although very accomplished missed the animal magnetism of the original.