It’s one of the most famous scores in film history: 44 years on, every time we listen to it, we want to jog along the beach in slow motion.

Hugh Hudson’s Chariots of Fire tells the story of two British athletes in the 1920s who had a penchant for running. Each uses their gift, one to combat xenophobic prejudices, the other to affirm religious beliefs. The little classic of the seventh art was crowned with four Oscars, including Best Picture.

We’re not going to lie: if the British feature film Chariots of Fire, released in cinemas in 1981, is such a famous work around the world, it is largely because of its incredible musical theme, signed by the late Greek composer Vangelis. A work that became legendary.

Vangelis deservedly won an Oscar for his fabulous Chariots of Fire score, but that’s fine TitlesThe main theme of his soundtrack that opens and closes the movie we remember. In fact, it is impossible to forget the elegiac notes of his keyboard accompanying the memorable race of the British athletes at sea, on the coast of St. Andrews, Scotland.

While director Hugh Hudson wanted to use childtheme included in the album wild opera Vangelis (1979) The Greek musician offered him an original piece that became a huge success. The timeless cinematic sound can be found below.

Vangelis’ composition, epic and grandiose, is often used to highlight moments of sporting success, such as during medal ceremonies. However, that didn’t stop the inimitable Rowan Atkinson from using it in a parody in 2012, proving that the music has indeed entered popular culture.

When Mr. Bean parodies the iconic Chariots of Fire theme!

On what occasion did the singer of Mr. Bean dare to make people laugh with this iconic song? Please attend the opening ceremony of the London Games accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. You can watch the hilarious moment below.

In 2012, Hugh Hudson, director of Chiots of Fire, explained how this iconic piece of music was born. “I was friends with Vangelis. I liked his electronic compositions, almost new era”he confided At the microphone of our colleagues from L’Équipe magazine.

“Something completely anachronistic to create an imbalance”

“I was looking for something completely anachronistic to create an imbalance, to bring the film to modernity”he continued. “It became a global hit: you can’t see a guy running on the beach without listening to Vangelis’ music in the background.”

“Chariots of Fire” trailer: