Films have always used music to help advance their stories and keep viewers engaged. As time progressed, films began to focus on specific aesthetics. Curated soundtracks became prominent, and artists were asked to create songs themed around the film.
Jennifer’s Body
Megan Fox
Amanda Seyfried
Johnny Simmons
Adam Brody
Sal Cortez
Ryan Levine
Juan Riedinger
Colin Askey
Chris Pratt
Juno Rinaldi
Kyle Gallner
Josh Emerson
Released in 2009, Jennifer’s Body was considered edgy due to its plotline and character designs. Being released in the early 2000s, the film had influences from the time in fashion and music. Fitted shirts and low-rise jeans set Jennifer apart as the “popular” character, and looser fitting outfits and glasses for Needy characterize her as the “geek.” Collin is the biggest emo influence in the film, with dark, spiky hair, piercings, and moody eye makeup. However, each character had the essence of emo/scene influence, and so did the music in the film. With songs by Hayley Williams (lead singer of Paramore), Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, and countless others, iconic pop punk artists made the soundtrack. Fitting with the dark lighting and flaring teenage emotions, the upbeat and edgy tunes fit perfectly with the film’s aesthetics.
Check out the full Jennifer's Body soundtrack here.
Project X
Thomas Mann
Oliver Cooper
Jonathan Daniel Brown
Dax Flame
Kirby Bliss Blanton
Brady Hender
Nick Nervies
Alexis Knapp
Miles Teller
Peter MacKenzie
Caitlin Dulany
Rob Evors
An iconic party film needs iconic party tracks. The 2010s were known for dance and club hits. As the characters in the film state multiple times, this would be the best high school party ever, so it would need the best party hits to accompany it. Hits from Eminem, Lil Jon, and Kid Cudi electrify the scenes they accompany and submerge the viewers into the party-like atmosphere. As the party dies down, so does the music near the end. Without the classic club hits and dance tunes, the party wouldn’t have felt as immersive or accented the party scenes well.
Check out the full Project X soundtrack here.
Lisa Frankenstein
Kathryn Newton
Cole Sprouse
Liza Soberano
Henry Eikenberry
Joe Chrest
Carla Gugino
Joey Harris
Bryce Romero
Jenna Davis
Joshua Montes
Trina LaFargue
Paola Andino
The campy film with bright neon colors and a dark main character plays around with the 80’s setting. There are two nearly conflicting aesthetics. Set in the vivid time of the ’80s, the main character, Lisa (Kathryn Newton), enjoys cemeteries and classical music. Letting the two aesthetics flow together, 80’s songs play, and specially curated classical melodies play throughout the film. Two seemingly opposite aesthetics flow perfectly well for Lisa, and The Creature as truths come to light and Lisa falls deeper in love. Keeping with Lisa’s specific style and the time, the soundtrack focuses on both without getting confused.
Check out the full Lisa Frankenstein soundtrack here.
Twisters
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Glen Powell
Anthony Ramos
Brandon Perea
Maura Tierney
Harry Hadden-Paton
Sasha Lane
Daryl McCormack
Kiernan Shipka
Nik Dodani
David Corenswet
Tunde Adebimpe
Set in Oklahoma, country tunes were set to make an appearance. The film had an album that made plenty of scenes. Full of hit country stars and more current popular country artists, the film focused on only that genre of music. The cowboy hats and adrenaline junkies that viewers know as the storm chasers fit right in with the rock/country tunes that play in the background. Although this film is action-packed, instead of using more rock-focused and even metal music, the filmmakers keep with the country aesthetic instead of only using it for a bit throughout certain scenes.
Check out the full Twisters soundtrack here.