Director Bradey Cobert’s “Vox Lux” is something of a bone of contention around these parts and arguably Film Twitter as well. Following strong reviews during the film festival circuit, the Natalie Portman-starring movie began taking it in the teeth when a deeper swath of North American critics saw the film. While it’s fresh on Rotten Tomatoes currently (barely, 61% and falling which soon means rotten), the discourse around the film is polarizing and generally lands on a love/hate relationship with the film.
Around these parts, you have reviewer who like the film—Jessica Kiang’s [B/B+ grade] review in Venice — and podcasters who enjoyed it too. This writer is firmly in the dislike category. “Vox Lux,” in my opinion, is an ambitious film whose reach firmly exceeds its grasp. It’s a poptimist-like movie that carelessly exploits school shootings and then tries to say something about pop music itself, terrorist violence, and the healing, transformative quality of pop music in the face of tragedy. Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a mess, self-indulgent, alienating, and features many strange casting and acting choices.
READ MORE: ‘Vox Lux’: Natalie Portman Does Her Best Sia Impression In New Music Video
However, there is one truly undeniable ace element to the film which is its ear-candy-like soundtrack. First you have the great Scott Walker, a ‘60s/70s cult rock/star crooner turned composer (who scored Corbet’s “The Childhood Of A Leader”), who lends his trademark, haunting, melodramatic opera to the film’s score. Then, one of the most sought-after songwriters in the world, Sia—a secret weapon of the pop industry who has written dozens of hit songs for Rihanna (“Diamonds”), Beyonce, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Rita Ora and dozens more— wrote the songs for the movie to be sung by Natalie Portman and co-star Raffey Cassidy (who plays the younger version of Portman in the film).
The movie may be frustrating and disaffecting to many (but yes, loved by others too), but the songs by Sia are like pop gems that have been written by angels brought down to soothe. Featuring an soaring, anthemic salvation, the songs were written to unite and heal the everlastings scars and wounds of people and society and fittingly, the “Vox Lux” soundtrack has at least united people divided by the film—most of us can agree, these heavenly pop songs are the equivalent of crack (even if you don’t particularly like this brand of slick pop, the craft of melodies is superb).
It’s also a little crazy to consider that a small indie film by Brady Corbet, not yet a name as an actor or a director, could at least entice Sia, Scott Walker, and Natalie Portman to feature in his film. Clearly, that script, at the very least is bold an alluring.
“Vox Lux” the film is in theaters in limited release as we speak and its soundtrack is available on most digital platforms for streaming or download now. Listen to the soundtrack now.
Here’s the album track list (all songs sung by Portman and Cassidy are written by Sia).
1. Wrapped Up – Natalie Portman
2. Blinded By Love – Natalie Portman
3. Firecracker – Natalie Portman
4. Sweat and Tears – Natalie Portman
5. Private Girl – Natalie Portman
6. EKG – Natalie Portman
7. Wrapped Up – Raffey Cassidy
8. Alive – Raffey Cassidy
9. Your Body Talk – Raffey Cassidy
10. Hologram (Smoke and Mirrors) – Raffey Cassidy
11. Prelude – Scott Walker
12. Night Walk – Scott Walker
13. Opening Credits – Scott Walker
14. Anthem – Scott Walker
15. Yearning – Scott Walker
16. Terrorist – Scott Walker
17. C&A Walk – Scott Walker
18. Dressing Room – Scott Walker
19. Druggie – Scott Walker
20. Finale – Scott Walker