Sound technique · used in 5 films
Scoring a film with existing recordings from decades past, such as jazz or popular standards, in place of newly written music. The songs set a period mood.
Examples
Woody Allen · 1973
The soundtrack is largely Dixieland jazz, much of it played by members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Allen sat in with the band. Miles is a jazz musician, so the music also fits him. The warm, old sound sets off the cold future.
Where to see it: The revival in 2173: Rebels bring Miles back 200 years after his operation went wrong, and he finds the world has changed.
Woody Allen · 2001
Dick Hyman scored the film with 1940s standards. The songs make the era feel present, like set dressing for the ear. They add to the sense of a movie made in the period it depicts.
Where to see it: The score. 1940s standards run under the film and place you in the decade.
Woody Allen · 2002
The soundtrack leans on jazz and popular recordings from between 1916 and 1955, with no newly written score. The old songs give the film a nostalgic feel. They sit easily beside Val's neurotic spiral.
Where to see it: Throughout the film. Old jazz and standards play under Val's scenes in the city while his problems pile up.
Woody Allen · 2014
The film uses recordings from the 1920s and earlier, such as Bix Beiderbecke's "At the Jazz Band Ball" and a Ruth Etting song, in place of a new score. The old music places you in 1928. It keeps the romance light and a little wistful.
Where to see it: The party at the Catledge estate. Stanley and Sophie dance to period music.
Woody Allen · 2019
The film uses songs by jazz pianist Erroll Garner. The lively piano music matches the light romantic comedy tone and carries the film through its New York locations.
Where to see it: Scenes around the city: Garner's piano recordings play under the characters' day in Manhattan.
Questions