The Squid and the Whale Soundtrack (

The Squid and the Whale Soundtrack (2005) cover

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 7.30/10 from 91000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Una historia de Brooklyn
Title in Italiano:

Il calamaro e la balena
Title in Português:

A Lula e a Baleia

Synopsis

In 1986, In Brooklyn, New York, the dysfunctional family of pseudo intellectuals composed by the university professor Bernard and the prominent writer Joan split. Bernard is a selfish, cheap and jealous decadent writer that rationalizes every attitude in his family and life and does not accept "philistines" - people that do not read books or watch movies, while the unfaithful Joan is growing as a writer and has no problems with "philistines".

Their sons, the teenager Walt and the boy Frank, feel the separation and take side: Walt stays with Bernard, and Frank with Joan, and both are affected with abnormal behaviors. Frank drinks booze and smears with sperm the books in the library and a locker in the dress room of his school. The messed-up and insecure Walt uses Roger Water's song "Hey You" in a festival as if it was of his own, and breaks up with his girlfriend Sophie.

Meanwhile Joan has an affair with Frank's tennis teacher Ivan and Bernard with his student Lili.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
The Squid and the Whale
Hey You
Roger Waters: Writer
Intermezzi, Op. 76
Courting Blues
Life Depends on Love
Love on a Real Train
Run to You
Bright New Year
Holland Tunnel
Lullaby
Heart Like a Wheel
Kyrie
Drive
Let's Go
Figure 8
Street Hassle
The Swimming Song
Come Sing Me a Happy Song to Prove We All Can Get Along the Lumpy, Bumpy, Long and Dusty Road
Park Slope (Dean Wareham)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Courting Blues (Bert Jansch)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Holland Tunnel (John Phillips)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Lullaby (Loudon Wainwright III)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Heart Like a Wheel (Kate McGarrigle)
Britta Phillips: Performer
The Bright New Year (Bert Jansch)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Drive (The Cars)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Let's Go (The Feelies)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Figure Eight (Blossom Dearie)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Come Sing Me a Happy Song to Prove We All Can Get Along the Lumpy, Bumpy, Long and Dusty Road (Bert Jansch)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Hey You (Dean Wareham)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Family Conference (Britta Phillips, Dean Wareham)
Britta Phillips: Performer
Street Hassle (Lou Reed)
Britta Phillips: Performer
The Swimming Song (Loudon Wainwright III)
Britta Phillips: Performer

User reviews

Kenneth Perez
6/10

I appreciate how the soundtrack includes a mix of classic songs like Roger Waters' Hey You alongside original compositions that add depth to the storytelling. The music choices help to create a nostalgic and introspective atmosphere that resonates with the themes of the film.

Michael Scott
8/10

The music choices in The Squid and the Whale feel authentic and organic, adding authenticity to the characters' experiences and making the film feel more relatable.

Matthew White
8/10

The eclectic mix of songs and score in the soundtrack creates a rich tapestry of sound that mirrors the complexity of the characters' relationships and inner lives.

Emily Davis
9/10

The choice of songs, such as Roger Water's Hey You, adds layers of meaning to the scenes, amplifying the impact of the characters' actions and decisions. The music becomes a character in itself, guiding the viewer through the complex narrative with a sense of empathy and understanding.

Emily Nelson
5/10

The soundtrack of The Squid and the Whale perfectly captures the emotional turmoil and dysfunction within the family. The music sets the tone for the film, enhancing the tension and complexity of the relationships portrayed on screen.

Paul Allen
2/10

I found the soundtrack of The Squid and the Whale to be quite lacking in emotional depth and connection to the storyline. The music felt generic and uninspired, failing to enhance the intensity of the dysfunctional family dynamics portrayed in the film.

Margaret Green
2/10

Additionally, I felt that the selection of songs for the soundtrack did not effectively capture the time period or setting of the movie. The music choices seemed out of place and did not contribute to creating a believable atmosphere for the audience to immerse themselves in the narrative.

Patricia Smith
7/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Squid and the Whale is a standout element of the film, showcasing the importance of music in conveying emotions and enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Matthew Mitchell
7/10

The soundtrack seamlessly weaves in and out of the narrative, enhancing key moments without overpowering the dialogue or action on screen, striking a perfect balance between music and storytelling.

Amanda Turner
5/10

The use of music in key moments, such as Walt's performance at the festival or the scenes of Joan's affair, adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the narrative. The soundtrack effectively conveys the characters' inner struggles and adds emotional depth to their experiences.

Emily Phillips
7/10

The use of Roger Waters' song Hey You by Walt in a pivotal scene adds a layer of depth and meaning to the character's internal struggles, making it a standout moment in the film.

Paul Evans
8/10

The soundtrack of The Squid and the Whale perfectly captures the emotional turmoil of the characters, enhancing the viewing experience with its poignant and evocative music choices.

Donald Walker
9/10

The soundtrack of The Squid and the Whale perfectly captures the emotional turmoil and dysfunctionality of the characters' lives. The use of music enhances the atmosphere of the film, creating a deep connection with the audience.

Daniel Evans
7/10

The soundtrack effectively sets the tone for the film, establishing a mood that is both melancholic and introspective, drawing the audience deeper into the story.

Emily Johnson
9/10

The soundtrack of The Squid and the Whale is a masterful blend of melancholy and introspection, reflecting the inner struggles of each character with haunting beauty. It elevates the film to a higher level of emotional resonance, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.