Episode 16

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Published on:

28th Oct 2024

Why Does Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch Drunk (2002) Seem Like a Musical With No Singing? w/ Pete Abeyta of Middle Class Film Class

Pete Abeyta from the Middle Class Film Class Podcast/YouTube Channel, joins Nicole and Ryan to talk about the soundtrack to Paul Thomas Anderson's 2002 film, Punch Drunk Love. This soundtrack consists of a wonderful score by producer/composer/mad scientist, Jon Brion, who also composed the scores to films that we've covered in previous episodes like, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Magnolia. Brion also reworks the iconic "He Needs Me" by Shelley Duvall from Robert Altman's 1980 film, Popeye.

We Discuss:

  • How Jon Brion and Paul Thomas Anderson closely worked together on the "sound" of the film
  • Why Brion's score evokes memories of old MGM musicals and why that's intentional
  • Robert Altman's reaction to "He Needs Me" being used in the film
  • The connection of the Punch Drunk Love score to Guillermo Del Toro's Shape of Water.

For More Information about Middle Class Film Class:

Website: https://www.mcfcpodcast.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/middleclassfilmclass/

Twitter: https://x.com/podcastmcfc

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About the Podcast

Soundtrack Your Life
A podcast about soundtracks and why they're important to us.
Twice a month, Nicole Barlow and Ryan Pak take a look at a soundtrack. Whether it be a song, a band, or a connection to a specific scene, They discuss personal connections to the soundtrack, with a guest.

Episodes are released on 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.

Guest inquires can be made at: soundtrackcast@gmail.com

You can support the podcast at
https://www.patreon.com/soundtrackyourlife

Voice Over: Amber Aviles
https://amberaviles.com

Music: Phil Bertulfo of Rubber Spaniel
https://soundtrack-your-life.captivate.fm/rubberspaniel
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About your host

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Ryan Pak

Ryan has a degree in Film Studies, and he’s a musician. So, Soundtrack Your Life is the perfect intersection of his two main passions. Plus, he’s an avid music fan—hunting down rare songs from his favorite bands has familiarized him with many obscure soundtracks over the years. It's been so gratifying for him to hear fellow film and music enthusiasts share their stories of why they love soundtracks!