Just referring to Boogie Nights from a few weeks back, I have been thinking about other films that create that sense of nostalgia through its soundtrack. ‘Forrest Gump’ is a great example, as it found huge success in the soundtrack that was released to accompany the film, selling over 12 million copies*. The soundtrack perfectly complimented the film as both the film and soundtrack covered four decades of history and music. Not only did the film take us back to moments in history, but so did the music used which instantly reminded us of those particular events or eras. Even for those of us that were not born till at least the 1980s, when we hear “Hound Dog” we instantly think of Elvis; when we hear the song “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in your Hair)”, we imagine hippies; and when we hear Creedence Clearwater’s “Fortunate Song” we can be reminded of the Vietnam War. The songs throughout the film relate clearly to the events occurring in the film’s narrative, and have clear associations with the past.
What made the soundtrack successful was its ability to achieve a sense of nostalgia. All of the songs and/or artists featured in the ‘Forrest Gump’ soundtrack were once popular hits and are well remembered. The soundtrack presented some of history’s best loved tracks on one album and is still appreciated by people of all ages. If I remember correctly, not only did my parents own the official ‘Forrest Gump’ soundtrack, I also owned it on double-cassette!
*fact from www.wikipedia.com
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