In Media and Music, our writers take a deep dive into how movies use scores and songs to engage viewers, give new meaning and tone to some of our favorite scenes, and establish themes. It almost goes without saying, but there are spoilers abound.
Dev Patel’s directorial debut is chock full of violence and vindication; but, amongst its critiques of casteism and Hindu nationalism, “Monkey Man” showcases a deep respect for and understanding of India’s gender non-conforming communities through a traditional musical tie-in.
From nostalgic 2010s indie tracks to jarring classical concertos, the soundtrack to season one of Netflix’s hit series “Russian Doll” has captivated audiences and captured the essence of chaos through its eclectic music mix.
Horror mastermind James Wan and former Nine Inch Nails member-turned-composer Charlie Clouser form a chilling alliance in conjuring the sinister “Saw” soundscape, delicately woven by the emotions in the film — devastatingly capturing Jigsaw’s twisted reign of terror.
The 2024 “Mean Girls” movie — an adaptation of a book into a movie into a musical into a movie — has received a lot of mean words online. While some of the musical numbers are definitely plastic, some of them shine brighter than the Broadway musical.
The director’s use of popular ’80s music in “American Psycho” both reinforces themes of fitting in and reveals secrets about the main character’s psyche.
In the dark, quirky claymation universe of “Wendell & Wild,” feminine punk melds with eerie hums and chilling orchestrations. A year after its release, let’s dive into the film’s dynamic depth and exemplary, spine-tingling, and BIPOC-led soundtrack.
Amplify your seance with these gothic, brooding tunes. ‘Tis the season of the witch, after all.
Inspired by the 2019 film “Someone Great,” Taylor Swift wrote “Death By A Thousand Cuts.” Both pieces explore what happens when “great love” ends — not in one final night or goodbye, but in a thousand terrifying moments.
The uncomfortable amalgamation of classical instrumentals and hip-hop production in the “Succession” theme exposes how the Roy descendants’ egotistical ideas of power are egregiously unfounded.
HBO’s “Girls” brings a painfully accurate soundtrack in every episode through its six-season run. Still, the season three episode “Beach House” stands out among the crowd with its millennial melodies.
In the decade after its initial release, “The Lorax” and its soundtrack have experienced widespread commercial success, spawning endless memes in the process. However, the soundtrack was initially panned by several critics, who cited a shallow lyricism and absurd production. Despite the original reaction, the soundtrack for “The Lorax” stands as a powerful and much enjoyable piece of children’s media.
While Disney isn’t known for creating R&B icons, they accidentally made one in 1995 with Powerline. Tevin Campbell’s superstar character only needed two songs to become a cult icon.
The live adaptation and video game versions of “The Last of Us” create a full, dynamic experience by revitalizing sound. Creating sentimentality, fear, and suspense, “The Last of Us” soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the story of Ellie and Joel.
The English rock sextet made a triumphant and elaborate return to the stage in their recent concert film, offering brand new songs and a real-time case study of a band in radical evolution.
There’s no nautical-themed birthday party in “Conversations With Friends,” but there might as well be—the plot and theme similarities between Phoebe Bridgers’ “Moon Song” and her favorite book are no coincidence.
What is the perfect landscape for a hypnotic, dream-infiltrating bunny named Frank, heralding the end of the world? An 80s gothic New Wave soundtrack.
The ethereal score and shoegaze soundtrack of “Mysterious Skin” builds the film’s unsettling haze as its characters’ repressed memories resurface.
With its dainty classical sonics and Sufjan Stevens originals, the “Call Me By Your Name” soundtrack uses a nostalgic lens to capture the loss of innocence that comes with predatory relationships.
Hans Zimmer has crafted well-composed soundtracks for many films over the years, and your favorite film might be among his work.
Full of warmth and whimsy, the American Gothic-inspired soundtrack of animated series “Over the Garden Wall” embodies the cozy and spooky nostalgia that makes autumn so special.
How can a movie with horrible acting, plot holes galore, and cheesy effects ever be redeemed? Turn to the music instead.
Suspiria’s visceral, unsettling score was the perfect co-star for Jessica Harper as Suzy Bannion, as she uncovers the secrets of a prestigious German dance academy.
“San Junipero,” an episode from the Netflix show “Black Mirror” is a love letter to both youth and the desire to love and be loved. Its 1980s soundtrack interacts gracefully with the plot and complexities of the characters, revealing a more nuanced interpretation of such desire and longing.
Composed with a focus on musical elements native to French music and brought to life by melodies that embody the colorful world of the young eponymous protagonist, Yann Tiersen creates a score that is a notable standout amongst avant-garde movie fanatics.
The “Twilight” Saga: its iconic cinematography, music, and notorious blue filter made it one of the most memorable series of its time. So “hold on tight, spider monkey” because here’s our ranking of the series' five unforgettable soundtracks that we’re “unconditionally and irrevocably” obsessed with.
The breathtaking atmosphere of Wong Kar-Wai’s 2000 romantic drama “In the Mood for Love” is bolstered by florid string accompaniment and wistful Spanish-language tunes.
The cult classic movie, “But I’m a Cheerleader,” is an amusing take on a dark topic. The soundtrack is full of teen angst and punk sensibilities that takes a topic so horrifying, and makes it comically camp.
The “Ezio’s Family” motif transcends the boundaries of any single protagonist of the Assassin’s Creed series, binding them together as part of something far greater than them and proving that none of them are alone in committing to the fight against evil.
When an addict searches for a murderer in an isolated Midwestern town, the only logical soundtrack is the haunting honesty of Led Zeppelin.
With a dazzling soundtrack teeming with powerhouse vocals, 2010’s “Burlesque” is a flashy display of the cabaret scene through the eyes of stars like Christina Aguilera and Cher. But the gaudiness of the soundtrack brings up the negative depictions of sex workers that Hollywood likes to perpetuate.
