For the most part, Terrence Malick has favored orchestral arrangements to accompany his films, leaning on original scores and classical pieces to provide their musical foundations. However, he’s changing things up with “Song To Song.” An array of Spotify-ready artists populate the cast and soundtrack, and Pitchfork has the breakdown on who you’ll see and hear in the film — and who you won’t.
Firstly, while he was listed as part of the cast last year, Christian Bale didn’t make the final cut of the movie, nor did performances by Arcade Fire, Iron & Wine, and Fleet Foxes. The bands played Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest where some of the movie was shot, but didn’t make the grade during Malick’s usually vicious editing process. So, who will you see?
Swedish pop star Lykke Li has a significant role as Ryan Gosling‘s ex, and performs Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “It Hurts to Be Alone” with him (with production from Radiohead knob twiddler Nigel Godrich). Iggy Pop, Patti Smith (who provides the unreleased song “God Running” to the soundtrack), Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Lydon, and Alan Palomo (Neon Indian) also have speaking roles, while The Black Lips are Rooney Mara‘s backing band, and Dana Falconberry plays her sister. Diplo, Tegan and Sara, Florence Welch, Big Freedia, and Spank Rock also appear.
The soundtrack features jams from, among others, Die Antwoord, Bob Dylan, the Plasmatics, Julianna Barwick, Meredith Monk, Gyptian, and Sharon Van Etten, while Michael Fassbender‘s character produces a record by Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears.
So, there’s your musical guide to “Song To Song” which kicks off SXSW and opens on March 17th. Check out a batch of new photos below.