‘Materialists’ Director Celine Song Reveals the Inspirations Behind the Film’s Soundtrack

Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima

If you’re a true lover of rom-coms, chances are you’ve had this weekend circled on your calendar. That’s because Materialists, the much-anticipated film starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, finally hits theaters. 

Written and directed by Celine Song, who previously earned an Oscar nomination for her breakout debut Past Lives, the A24-produced film tells the story of Lucy (Dakota Johnson), an actor-turned-romantic matchmaker who avoids true love in her own life. But her world gets turned upside down when she meets Harry (Pedro Pascal) at one of her client’s weddings while simultaneously reconnecting with her old flame, John (Chris Evans).

Like many of the best rom-coms, Materialists features a standout soundtrack that helps the biggest scenes hit the right notes. Whether it’s original music from Japanese Breakfast, or the eclectic range of classic hits that made the final cut, you can find all of the movie’s songs in the Materialists Official Playlist. 

For the Record also spoke with Celine to get the inside scoop on her creative inspirations, how the soundtrack came together, and how those songs help set the tone for the film’s most memorable moments.

Does music play an important role in your creative process? 

Music is in the DNA of the film from the script phase. I write with music on, and usually I play one song on repeat—for Materialists, the song on repeat was “Andalucia” by John Cale. I also scripted most of the songs in Materialists, and my music supervisor, Meg Currier, works closely with me on everything.

How did you use music in Materialists to elevate the storytelling and deepen the audience’s connection to the characters and narrative?

Sound is the most powerful storytelling tool, arguably even more than image—my director of photography, Shabier Kirchner, believes this, too. I created a playlist that I shared with all my department heads early in preproduction. Eventually, for my art department helmed by my production designer, Tony Gasparro, I created playlists for each of the characters that I then shared with all departments. I know they served as inspiration for creating the backstory and fuller life for the characters in every corner of the film.

What was it like to collaborate with Japanese Breakfast?

Heavenly. She loved and understood the film so immediately and deeply. The song “My Baby (Got Nothing At All)” is so beautiful, and it’s the perfect match to the movie.

Were there any themes in Materialists that the music helped bring to life?

There’s such a rich history of songs about loving someone in spite of practical or material challenges, so I was drawn to those songs for the film.

What are some of your favorite movie soundtracks of all time? 

Velvet Goldmine and I’m Not There. Todd Haynes understands music better than any filmmaker.

Discover all of the songs that helped shape the movie with the Materialists Official Playlist: