On New Year's Day, 2022, it was gloomy, the temperature was below freezing, and I was aimlessly scrolling through TV channels. I eventually came across the movie "Beautiful Boy." I had heard of it, but had been hesitant to watch it due to its reputation of sorrow and tragedy. Nonetheless, I put it on, fearing I would regret never watching a movie of such great renown. I can now confidently say that I am grateful to have seen it.
The entire movie was captivating. There were beautiful shots of California, complex character relationships, and, of course, an emotionally powerful soundtrack. Director Felix Van Groeningen and music supervisor Gabe Hilfer successfully put together a high quality soundtrack that includes David Bowie, Nirvana, Tupac, The Melvins, and many others. However, one part that stood out in particular was the portion that featured Sigur Ros’s “Svefn-g-englar.” This song takes the viewer on Nic’s (Timothée Chalamet) journey through college. You see him adjust to his surroundings and attempt to make a normal school experience for himself. Before college, Nic struggled with drug use and addiction. After being in rehab, he convinced his parents to let him try to have a college experience. Nic’s dad, David (Steve Carell), drops him off at his dorm as the song commences. Everything is going well, until Nic decides to fall back into his old habits. Soon enough, Nic starts becoming interested in drugs again. We see him sneaking some pills during his girlfriend’s family dinner and researching different ways to take meth on his college library’s computer. This research foreshadows Nic’s decision in the next scene, which is trying meth through injection. At this point, the song reaches its bridge, signifying a new experience in Nic’s life. You see NIc’s immediate reaction to the meth and his complete sense of bliss. The drug hits him like the bridge of the song hits the film's viewer. The timing of the music and of the scene is perfect in the way that it gives the viewer and character the same emotional experience. As Nic is feeling intensity from the drug, the viewer gets the intensity of the song.
This song was used, not only for its sound, but its true meaning. “Svefn-g-englar” is off of an album called Ágætis byrjun. In English, the title translates to “A good start”. Though ironic, the accuracy of the song in the movie is notable. Nic is starting a life of drug use again and throwing away his chances of sobriety. Including “Svefn-g-englar” was an ingenious musical choice by the director and music supervisor of Beautiful Boy.
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