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Wild at Heart: Crazy Movie, Crazier Score?

Okay, so I finally got around to watching David Lynch's 'Wild at Heart'. Man, what a trip! I knew going in it would be… Lynchian, but the sheer bonkers energy of it all was something else. Nic Cage at his most… Cage, Laura Dern channeling pure fire, and a supporting cast that's just a festival of weirdos. But you guys know I'm all about the music, and Angelo Badalamenti didn't disappoint, but wow is it a departure from their usual stuff. It's like he took the DNA of a classic rock and roll soundtrack (think Elvis, Gene Vincent) and then injected it with a heavy dose of Lynchian dread and distortion. The moments when the score kicks in during the intense scenes, especially involving Bobby Peru (Willem Dafoe, brilliantly creepy), are just chef's kiss. It amplifies the already heightened reality of the film. I'm still trying to figure out if I like it in the traditional sense -- it’s not something I’d necessarily throw on for background music – but it utterly serves the film. I read that Lynch himself had a lot of input on the music choices too. And like, obviously the Elvis nods are HUGE... anyone else think the overall tone is deliberately jarring? Like, it's supposed to feel wrong, even when it's technically 'good'? I'm curious what other soundtrack nerds think about this one. Is it genius? Is it just part of the overall Lynchian fever dream? Or is it both? Oh, also, I need to find out who did all of those rockabilly tracks. I know some of them are Elvis, but the others are amazing. If anyone knows, let me know!

hughesreviews
3 months ago
5 comments
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