I remember seeing Magnolia in the theater for the first time. I could not even talk on the way home, I felt so overwhelmed, almost in shock, from how intense it was. The music is a huge part of that; PTA is expert at using music to achieve heightened intensity. The scene you mention, when Reilly is talking to Walters, made such an impression on me. She smiles, just slightly. Somehow that tiny smile, that little ray of hope took the edge off; that button made the movie perfect. Funny how the littlest details can be so impactful.
Wow, thanks so much for you comment. Yes, lots of other directors use music in emotionally rich ways, but PT does it somehow both more subtly and more overtly. I watched the final scene in the film about 10-20 times while writing that and each time it hit me either deeper or from a new angle. Even the way he used "Sister Christian" in Boogie Nights was masterful. That was probably more Scorcese'esque in that scene but still worked so well.
I totally agree, the "Sister Christian" scene is amazing. It's so uncomfortable and unnerving. I always always always think about it when I hear the song.
I remember seeing Magnolia in the theater for the first time. I could not even talk on the way home, I felt so overwhelmed, almost in shock, from how intense it was. The music is a huge part of that; PTA is expert at using music to achieve heightened intensity. The scene you mention, when Reilly is talking to Walters, made such an impression on me. She smiles, just slightly. Somehow that tiny smile, that little ray of hope took the edge off; that button made the movie perfect. Funny how the littlest details can be so impactful.
What a great movie and song, and article too :)
Wow, thanks so much for you comment. Yes, lots of other directors use music in emotionally rich ways, but PT does it somehow both more subtly and more overtly. I watched the final scene in the film about 10-20 times while writing that and each time it hit me either deeper or from a new angle. Even the way he used "Sister Christian" in Boogie Nights was masterful. That was probably more Scorcese'esque in that scene but still worked so well.
I totally agree, the "Sister Christian" scene is amazing. It's so uncomfortable and unnerving. I always always always think about it when I hear the song.
All this time I thought the line was "from the rats/and the freaks." It makes more sense now.
I think I like rats better.