Sid & Nancy: Raw, Chaotic, and a Soundtrack That Screams

Alright soundtrack junkies, Hughes here, back with a flick that isn't exactly known FOR its score, but hear me out: Alex Cox's "Sid and Nancy." Yeah, it's a biopic (ish) about the Sex Pistols' downward spiral, and it's bleak, messy, and kinda romanticized in a way that still makes me feel uneasy. But the music… the spirit of the music... permeates every damn scene. What's interesting is that the actual Sex Pistols tracks are used sparingly, which is probably wise considering how iconic they are. Instead, we get a mix of punk-era bands like The Pogues (their track "Haunted" is perfect for the vibe) and just… pure, raw energy that feels like the Pistols even when it's not them. There's a particular scene, them on the US tour when Sid is literally falling apart, where the music just amplifies the chaotic energy and despair. It's not a 'score' in the traditional sense, but Cox uses music as another layer of emotional grime, and it WORKS. Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb are incredible, btw. You believe their self-destructive love. And those heroin scenes? Yikes. The scene where they're doing heroin on a plane is chaotic and I love it. Maybe it’s less of a traditional review and more of me appreciating how music can just be a character in a film. I think it sometimes gets overlooked because it's not a sweeping orchestral thing. But I think it’s brilliant how music can be used to amplify the feeling of being a drug addict. Really. You might hate the movie, you might find it exploitative, but listen to the soundtrack and tell me it doesn't evoke something powerful. It's definitely not a happy watch, and it's not for everyone, but if you're into punk history and appreciate a film that doesn't shy away from the dark side, give "Sid and Nancy" a shot. And crank up the volume, you gotta hear the chaos.