By Jeff Swindoll Nov 10, 2006, 15:20 GMT
When I first got the soundtrack from Half Nelson I was expecting a comedy in the vein of Garden State, Rushmore, or the like. The cover reminded me of such a film. I have yet to see the film, but I did seek out some reviews and plot descriptions. From the sound of things – comedy this is not.
Dan (Ryan Gosling) is a junior high social studies teacher in a black Brooklyn neighborhood public school. Dan also has a secret. He’s a crack head. One of his students, Drey (Shareeka Epps), finds out his secret and the two form an unlikely friendship. Dan finds himself a somewhat unlikely father figure to Drey, but finds competition in that department from local drug dealer Frank (Anthony Mackie). Since Frank is also Dan’s drug dealer he has a conflict of interest.
A track from Broken Social Scene titled “Stars & Sons.” It reminded me of something that might’ve been heard in one of those other comedy films and in a way set me up when I found out that the picture was really more of a drama. The tracks also set up a bit of the layout of the neighborhood.
So we have songs that represent Dan, the African American neighborhood, etc. Bands on the album include The Somnambulants, Samantha Ronson, Remy Balon, Billy Bragg, Saigon, Conjunto Cespedes, Blak and King Honey, Dujeous, Rosey Grier, Marshall Tucker Band, and Broken Social Scene gets three songs on the album. The album did deceive me into thinking that the film was more in the comedic vein, but I did like the songs.
It also represents an interesting mixtures of music to represent the diversity of the neighborhood. I did enjoy the album and wonder if after seeing the movie that the album will have more meaning to me. Nice mixture.
‘Half Nelson’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the soundtrack database for more information and complete track listing.
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