The Practical Magic Original Soundtrack is a compilation of songs that perfectly capture the whimsical and enchanting atmosphere of the beloved film. Released in 1998, the soundtrack features an eclectic mix of artists, including Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, Faith Hill, and Joni Mitchell. One of the standout tracks on the album is the hauntingly beautiful "Amas Veritas" by Alan Silvestri, which serves as the film's main theme. The song's ethereal vocals and delicate piano melody evoke a sense of magic and mystery, perfectly setting the tone for the story that unfolds onscreen. Stevie Nicks's "If You Ever Did Believe" is another standout song on the soundtrack. Nicks's signature raspy voice and poetic lyrics create a sense of longing and yearning that encapsulates the film's themes of love and fate.
"I was born under unusual circumstances." And so begins "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop ti
No matter who did what, none of the seams show not when Benjamin is a mental toddler stuck in an octogenarian s wheelchair; not when he s a 60-year-old with the vigor of someone in his early 20s; not when he s a fresh-faced teen who has already spent 60 years on earth. He pours his sorrow into a giant clock for a train station that is designed to run backwards it s the man s fruitless attempt to stop time, stop aging, stop death.
Nicks's signature raspy voice and poetic lyrics create a sense of longing and yearning that encapsulates the film's themes of love and fate. The song perfectly captures the essence of the film and is a favorite among fans. Other notable songs on the soundtrack include "Put the Lime in the Coconut" by Harry Nilsson, a light-hearted and fun tune that highlights the film's quirky nature, and "Crystal" by Stevie Nicks, a hauntingly beautiful song that further enhances the magical atmosphere of the film.
Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The
Hardly the nostalgic romance it was promoted as being, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is about the fleeting nature of happiness, the struggle of life and the inevitability of death. It’s told with generosity and warmth, true, yet even the comfort it offers is the sort usually found next to hospital beds or in funeral homes.
As a matter of fact, the movie opens in a hospital, as a dying older woman named Daisy (Cate Blanchett) asks her daughter to read to her from a diary that someone named Benjamin Button had left in her care. From there we jump back nearly 80 years to follow the strange life of the title character, who was born in 1918 with all the frailties of a dying man but grew stronger – indeed, younger – as time passed.
With The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, two unlikely, seemingly opposing, artistic voices have come together: whimsical, fable-minded screenwriter Eric Roth (Forrest Gump) and obsessive, nearly nihilistic director David Fincher (Fight Club). Roth’s, surprisingly, is the dominant voice.
Aside from an artistic sensibility, Benjamin Button also shares with Gump an uncommonly mature handling of special effects. As in that picture, technical tricks subtly exist to enhance the story rather than for their own, showy sake.
Among other feats, the technology allows Brad Pitt to play Benjamin at every stage of his life. It’s a remarkable, unprecedented performance, though I’m not sure how much credit is due to Pitt and how much is due to the various body doubles, prosthetic artists and computer wizards who assisted him.
No matter who did what, none of the seams show – not when Benjamin is a mental toddler stuck in an octogenarian’s wheelchair; not when he’s a 60-year-old with the vigor of someone in his early 20s; not when he’s a fresh-faced teen who has already spent 60 years on earth. At every stage, the character’s humanity is what you notice first.
Pitt, who is still an underrated actor, pulls off much more than a stunt here. No matter how much technical assistance he got, it is Pitt – speaking as a kid from behind a wrinkled visage – who manages to wring a childlike pathos from the line, “They said I was gonna die soon, but … maybe not.”
That sort of peaceful resignation defines Benjamin, and the movie. The only time he is tempted to curse his fate is midway through his life, when he and Daisy – who he first met when she was a girl and he was an old man – are finally the same age.
Benjamin and Daisy (Blanchett again) have a brief window of opportunity at the midpoints of their lives, and they take advantage by embarking on a picturesque romance. Yet Benjamin, knowing better than most that “nothing lasts,” understands their bliss will some day come to an end.
Loss, you see, is what Benjamin Button is really about. The movie is bookended by the tale of a clockmaker whose son is killed in World War I. He pours his sorrow into a giant clock for a train station that is designed to run backwards – it’s the man’s fruitless attempt to stop time, stop aging, stop death.
What the clock really does, of course, is the same thing that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button does: Mournfully remind us that none of those things can be stopped.
As a matter of fact, the movie opens in a hospital, as a dying older woman named Daisy (Cate Blanchett) asks her daughter to read to her from a diary that someone named Benjamin Button had left in her care. From there we jump back nearly 80 years to follow the strange life of the title character, who was born in 1918 with all the frailties of a dying man but grew stronger – indeed, younger – as time passed.
The Practical Magic Original Soundtrack is a delightful collection of songs that transport listeners to the world of the film. Each song contributes to the overall atmosphere and storytelling, making it an essential part of the movie experience. Whether you are a fan of the film or simply in search of enchanting and mystical music, this soundtrack is sure to captivate and delight..
Reviews for "Musical Incantations: The Power of the Practical Magic Original Soundtrack"
1. Lisa - 2 out of 5 stars
I found the Practical Magic Original Soundtrack to be quite disappointing. While the movie itself is a magical and whimsical experience, the soundtrack failed to capture that essence. The songs felt generic and unmemorable, and I found myself skipping through most of them. I was hoping for enchanting melodies that would transport me back to the beautiful world of Practical Magic, but unfortunately, this soundtrack fell short.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars
I was highly disappointed with the Practical Magic Original Soundtrack. It felt like a jumbled mix of uninspired songs that did not add anything to the movie or enhance the overall experience. The music lacked depth and failed to evoke any emotions within me. I expected a soundtrack that would transport me into the enchanting world of the movie, but instead, I was left feeling indifferent. I would not recommend this soundtrack to anyone seeking a magical and immersive musical experience.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
The Practical Magic Original Soundtrack was a letdown for me. The songs did not resonate with the mood or theme of the movie. It seemed like a mishmash of random tracks that did not mesh well together. None of the songs stood out or left a lasting impression. Overall, I found the soundtrack to be forgettable and lacking the magical charm that the movie possessed. I was hoping for a captivating auditory experience, but sadly, this soundtrack fell short of my expectations.
4. Brian - 1 out of 5 stars
I found the Practical Magic Original Soundtrack to be underwhelming and forgettable. The music felt generic and uninspired, and I struggled to connect with any of the songs. I was expecting a captivating and enchanting soundtrack that would transport me to the mystical world of the movie, but instead, I was left feeling detached and uninterested. The lack of memorable melodies and captivating arrangements made this soundtrack a disappointment for me.