Permanent Vacation Soundtrack (

Permanent Vacation Soundtrack (1980) cover

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 6.40/10 from 11000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Permanent vacation
Title in Italiano:

Permanent Vacation
Title in Português:

Sempre em férias

Synopsis

Film school dropout Jim Jarmusch's 1st Film was widely ignored in the US but noticed in Europe. It introduced a completely new independent style of filmmaking unlike other American films.

A youth in his 20's, Aloysius Parker (played by Christopher Parker), is unemployed, lazy, and searching for answers for the "meaning of life". He is particularly interested in nothing, with a broken family background of a missing dad, institutionalized mother, and a broken relationship with his girlfriend.

As he roams around dirty and less crowded urban New York City, he meets very eccentric people. He first visits his mother in the institution, a shady and unsettling place. Then, he encounters a war veteran who sometimes thinks he's still at war, a saxophone player who plays uninteresting musical notes, an unwelcoming lunatic Latin girl, a popcorn girl ensnared about Eskimos, and a severe jazz fan at a theatre.

Finally, he accidentally encounters a young lady with a vintage Ford Mustang, which he steals and sells that very night. At dawn, he packs his suitcase with passport and clothes, decides to leave New York behind, and boards a ship to depart, leaving his girl behind.

He starts to think about himself and his life, realizing that he is a youth with no bank balance, no insurance, no relations, no home, no house, no job, no skill, and nothing, just drifting aimlessly like a gypsy from place to place, still searching for answers. The film ends with him going away from New York.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Permanent Vacation
Up There in Orbit
My Boyfriend's Back
Sally, Go 'Round the Roses

User reviews

David Davis
10/10

The eclectic mix of jazz, ambient sounds, and experimental compositions in the soundtrack of Permanent Vacation mirrors the diverse encounters Aloysius has with eccentric characters in the film. Each musical piece adds depth and complexity to the narrative, enriching the overall viewing experience and immersing the audience in the emotional landscape of the story.

David Hernandez
6/10

The music in Permanent Vacation creates a haunting and atmospheric backdrop for Aloysius' existential crisis, adding depth and emotion to his inner turmoil.

Charles Perez
8/10

The melancholic and introspective tones in the music beautifully mirror Aloysius' inner turmoil and search for identity, providing a poignant backdrop to his journey of self-discovery.

Melissa Taylor
2/10

The lack of a cohesive musical theme throughout the movie made it difficult to fully engage with the story. Instead of complementing the narrative, the soundtrack often distracted from the dialogue and actions on screen, resulting in a jarring viewing experience.

Paul Scott
6/10

The use of unconventional and dissonant sounds in the soundtrack adds to the overall sense of unease and alienation that Aloysius feels in his search for meaning in life.

Elizabeth Johnson
6/10

The jazzy and improvisational elements in the music reflect the improvisational nature of Aloysius' own journey, as he encounters eccentric characters and navigates the gritty streets of New York City.

Michael Evans
2/10

The songs selected for key moments in the film felt uninspired and generic, lacking the depth and complexity needed to elevate the storytelling. The music did not add any emotional depth or resonance to the characters' journeys, leaving the audience feeling disconnected from the unfolding drama.

Michelle King
8/10

The use of saxophone in the soundtrack adds a unique and jazzy element to the film, enhancing the overall mood and setting of urban New York City.

Mary White
8/10

The ambient and atmospheric music in Permanent Vacation perfectly captures the aimless and wandering nature of the main character, Aloysius Parker, as he searches for meaning in life.

Kenneth Wright
1/10

The soundtrack for Permanent Vacation felt disjointed and out of place, failing to enhance the mood or atmosphere of the film. The music choices did not seem to align with the characters' emotions or the overall tone of the scenes.

Melissa Gonzalez
8/10

The use of unconventional instruments and soundscapes in the soundtrack adds an avant-garde touch to the film, aligning with Jim Jarmusch's innovative and independent style of filmmaking.

Margaret Jones
7/10

The diverse range of musical styles and genres in the soundtrack reflects the eclectic nature of the characters Aloysius encounters, adding depth and richness to the storytelling.

Donna Walker
5/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Permanent Vacation is a vital component of the film's unique and groundbreaking independent style, enhancing the viewer's experience and understanding of Aloysius' journey.

Donald Rodriguez
5/10

The soundtrack of Permanent Vacation perfectly captures the aimless and introspective mood of the film. The music enhances the feeling of wandering and uncertainty that Aloysius experiences throughout the story.

Nancy Anderson
7/10

The music in Permanent Vacation complements the gritty and raw visuals of the film, immersing the audience in the world of the protagonist and his existential journey.

Steven Smith
8/10

Overall, the haunting and evocative music in Permanent Vacation elevates the emotional impact of the film, creating a powerful and immersive viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Richard Johnson
7/10

The soundtrack effectively conveys the sense of loneliness and isolation felt by Aloysius as he encounters eccentric characters throughout the film, creating a haunting and introspective atmosphere.

Susan Williams
8/10

The subtle melodies and minimalist approach to the soundtrack enhance the introspective and contemplative moments in the film, allowing viewers to connect with Aloysius on a deeper level.

Ashley Adams
10/10

The soundtrack of Permanent Vacation perfectly captures the aimless and introspective journey of Aloysius Parker through the gritty streets of New York City. The music enhances the sense of loneliness and detachment felt by the protagonist, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the film has ended.

Andrew Miller
5/10

The soundtrack effectively conveys the sense of detachment and disconnection that permeates Aloysius' relationships with his family, friends, and the world around him.

Brian Brown
7/10

The soundtrack of Permanent Vacation skillfully captures the essence of urban decay and desolation, painting a vivid sonic landscape of a city filled with forgotten dreams and lost souls.