sense of storytelling or elevate the emotional impact of a scene. It’s time for filmmakers and showrunners to dig deeper and find more creative ways to incorporate music into their projects.
While it’s understandable that using popular songs can create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for audiences, it’s important to remember that music should serve the story, not the other way around. When a song choice becomes too obvious or on-the-nose, it can detract from the overall experience and feel like a cheap attempt to manipulate emotions.
Take, for example, the use of Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” in the final scene of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” While the song itself is powerful and uplifting, its placement in the film feels forced and predictable. It’s a missed opportunity to explore more unique and unexpected musical choices that could have added depth to the scene.
Similarly, shows like “Beef” and “Yellowjackets” fall into the trap of using well-known songs to heighten dramatic moments without earning them. Smashing Pumpkins’ “Mayonaise” in “Beef” and Radiohead’s “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” in “Yellowjackets” are both powerful songs, but their use feels out of place and excessive. It’s a missed opportunity to showcase lesser-known tracks that could have added a more nuanced and subtle layer to the storytelling.
That’s not to say that all needle drops are bad. When used sparingly and thoughtfully, they can be incredibly effective. Shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Bear” have demonstrated how to incorporate music in a way that enhances the narrative without overpowering it. The key is to find songs that complement the themes and emotions of the story without spelling them out explicitly.
Ultimately, excessive reliance on needle drops can lead to a society driven by mindless nostalgia. It’s time for filmmakers and showrunners to challenge themselves and their audiences by exploring new and innovative ways to incorporate music into their projects. By pushing the boundaries and avoiding the obvious choices, they can create a more immersive and impactful viewing experience.Title: The Overuse of Needle Drops: When Pop Music Becomes a Crutch in Film and TV
Subtitle: A look at the excessive use of popular songs in recent blockbusters and TV shows
2023 has seen a surge in the use of cringey song choices in films and television shows, with some of the most anticipated releases relying heavily on needle drops. From “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” to the second season of “Yellowjackets” and “Beef,” audiences have been bombarded with obvious song choices that often overshadow the scenes they accompany.
The trend of using popular songs in films and TV shows can be traced back to the 1995 Oscars, where both “Forrest Gump” and “Pulp Fiction” competed for Best Picture. Both films featured soundtracks filled with needle drops that became mega bestsellers. However, the way in which the songs were integrated into the stories differed significantly.
Quentin Tarantino’s cues in “Pulp Fiction” were retro hits that added to the film’s unforgettable moments. In contrast, “Forrest Gump” used songs that were on the nose, directly referencing the time period and events depicted in the film. Despite their differences, both films achieved critical and commercial success, leading to a surge in the use of pop music cues in subsequent projects.
The final scene of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” exemplifies the problem with excessive needle drops. The scene features a dance-along to Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over,” which, while a popular song, feels too obvious and contrived. The lyrics of the song align too perfectly with the scene, making it feel forced and manufactured.
Similarly, the finale of “Yellowjackets” and the second season of “Beef” also fell into the trap of using bombastic song choices that overshadowed the scenes. “Yellowjackets” featured Radiohead’s “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” during a sudden and unceremonious death, while “Beef” used Smashing Pumpkins’ “Mayonaise” to elevate a moment of compassion that didn’t feel earned.
Both shows had moments of brilliance in song choice, such as the “Yellowjackets” theme song and Danny’s acoustic performance of Incubus’ “Drive” in “Beef.” These choices fit the vibe and time period of the series without being too obvious or overpowering.
While good music can enhance a TV show or movie, excessive needle drops can become a crutch that hinders the storytelling. When used sparingly and thoughtfully, pop music cues can be incredibly powerful, as seen in shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Bear.” However, when the lyrics of a song literally describe what a character is going through, it becomes too on the nose and diminishes the impact of the scene.
Ultimately, pushing for stronger scripts that don’t rely on pop music as a crutch will result in better movies and TV shows. When a great song enhances a scene that doesn’t depend on it for emotional impact, the overall experience becomes more powerful. Excessive needle drops only contribute to brainless nostalgia and hinder the potential for deeper storytelling.
As audiences continue to crave nostalgia and familiar tunes, it is crucial for filmmakers and showrunners to strike a balance between using popular songs and allowing the script and performances to shine on their own.
What are the potential consequences of relying too heavily on well-known songs in storytelling, and how does this affect the overall viewing experience
While Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” is a powerful and uplifting song, its placement in the film feels forced and predictable. It detracts from the overall emotional impact of the scene, leaving audiences feeling manipulated rather than genuinely moved.
Similarly, shows like “Beef” and “Yellowjackets” fall into the trap of using well-known songs to heighten dramatic moments without earning them. The use of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Mayonaise” in “Beef” and Radiohead’s “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” in “Yellowjackets” feels out of place and excessive. It cheapens the emotional moments rather than enhancing them.
There are, however, examples of shows that successfully incorporate music in a way that elevates the storytelling. “Stranger Things” and “The Bear” have found the balance by carefully selecting songs that complement the themes and emotions of the story without overtly spelling them out. This thoughtful approach allows the music to enhance the narrative without overpowering it.
The excessive reliance on needle drops ultimately leads to a society driven by mindless nostalgia. Filmmakers and showrunners must challenge themselves and their audiences by exploring new and innovative ways to incorporate music into their projects. By pushing the boundaries and avoiding the obvious choices, they can create a more immersive and impactful viewing experience.
In conclusion, while the use of popular songs can create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, it’s important for filmmakers and showrunners to remember that music should serve the story, not the other way around. It’s time to dig deeper and find more creative ways to incorporate music into projects, avoiding excessive reliance on needle drops and embracing a more nuanced and thoughtful approach. Only then can the emotional impact of scenes truly be elevated, and the storytelling experience be truly immersive and impactful.
