2004

The film Ladder 49, staring Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta, includes the anthem/gospel hymn “Shine Your Light”, written and recorded specifically for the film by Robbie Robertson. After hearing the song for the first time, director Jay Russel recalls, “I just sat there thinking, ‘I’m very moved by this song; I think it’s beautifully poetic,’ and it was exactly what I was looking for.” The song is played in it’s entirety over the film’s dramatic culminating scene; it’s the only sound that’s heard. Robertson also composes an orchestral adagio for the final credits.