The choice of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” in the trailer for Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time isn’t merely a catchy tune; it’s a deliberate thematic statement about illusion, perception, and the complicated journey towards self-discovery within the film’s narrative. It highlights the film’s exploration of both the alluring and potentially deceptive nature of dreams and desires in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The Song as a Key to Unlocking the Film’s Message
The inclusion of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” isn’t accidental. It’s a calculated injection of layered meaning into a fantastical adventure. While the film, based on Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved novel, tells the story of Meg Murry’s search for her missing father, the song provides a crucial subtext: the dangerous appeal of shortcuts and the seductive nature of unchecked ambition.
The lyrics, “Sweet dreams are made of this, Who am I to disagree? I’ve traveled the world and the seven seas, Everybody’s looking for something,” immediately introduce the idea that dreams, though seemingly positive, can be based on a flawed foundation. The repeated question, “Who am I to disagree?” suggests a surrender to these dreams, a potential loss of individual agency.
In the context of A Wrinkle in Time, this resonates deeply with the character of IT, the embodiment of evil that seeks to control minds and extinguish individuality. IT offers a seemingly idyllic world, a shortcut to happiness and fulfillment, but at the cost of freedom and critical thinking. The song acts as a warning siren against blindly accepting what appears to be perfect, forcing viewers to question the true cost of pursuing their desires.
Furthermore, the song’s inherent darkness, lurking beneath its catchy melody, mirrors the film’s own exploration of complex themes. It suggests that even within the brightest of fantasies, there exists the potential for profound despair and the struggle against inner demons. Meg’s journey is not just about rescuing her father; it’s about confronting her own insecurities and vulnerabilities, battling the darkness within herself and the world around her. The song subtly foreshadows this internal conflict, adding a layer of psychological depth to the trailer and, by extension, the film itself. The choice of the song is also a nod to the generational appeal of the story, linking it to a familiar and resonant cultural touchstone.
Frequently Asked Questions About the “Sweet Dreams” Choice
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the significance of the song in the A Wrinkle in Time trailer:
H3: Why was “Sweet Dreams” chosen specifically over other 80s songs?
“Sweet Dreams” is more than just an 80s hit; it possesses a unique combination of catchiness and underlying darkness. Its ambiguous lyrics allow for multiple interpretations, making it particularly effective in hinting at the complexities of the film’s themes. Other 80s songs might have been more upbeat or nostalgic, but “Sweet Dreams” provided a specific tonal quality perfectly suited to the trailer’s purpose.
H3: How does the song relate to the character of IT?
As mentioned earlier, IT represents the dangers of conformity and the suppression of individuality. The song’s lyrics, suggesting a passive acceptance of pre-packaged dreams, directly contrast with the film’s message of embracing uniqueness and critical thinking. IT essentially sells “sweet dreams” at the cost of freedom, making the song a fitting soundtrack to its insidious influence.
H3: Does the song’s use change its original meaning?
While the song’s original meaning might be open to interpretation, its context within the A Wrinkle in Time trailer undoubtedly layers a new dimension onto it. The trailer repurposes the song to highlight the potentially deceptive nature of desires and the importance of questioning appearances. It’s a powerful example of how music can be recontextualized to enhance a visual narrative.
H3: What impact did the song have on viewers’ initial reactions to the trailer?
The song’s familiarity likely created an immediate sense of connection and intrigue for many viewers. It served as a recognizable hook, drawing them into the trailer’s narrative. However, the song’s unsettling undertones also likely contributed to a sense of unease, hinting at the film’s darker themes and suggesting that this wouldn’t be a purely saccharine adaptation. This combination of familiarity and unease made for a particularly memorable and impactful trailer.
H3: How does the song contribute to the film’s overall atmosphere?
The song subtly foreshadows the internal and external conflicts that Meg Murry faces throughout the film. It suggests that her journey will be fraught with challenges and that she will need to confront her own fears and insecurities in order to succeed. The song’s inherent tension creates a sense of foreboding, adding depth and complexity to the film’s overall atmosphere.
H3: Is there any connection between Eurythmics’ artistic style and DuVernay’s directorial vision?
While seemingly disparate, both Eurythmics and Ava DuVernay demonstrate a commitment to challenging societal norms and exploring complex themes through their respective art forms. DuVernay’s films often tackle issues of race, identity, and social justice, while Eurythmics pushed boundaries with their androgynous style and thought-provoking lyrics. This shared artistic sensibility might have contributed to the song’s resonance within the trailer.
H3: How does the song appeal to both younger and older audiences?
The song’s timeless quality allows it to appeal to both younger audiences, who might be discovering it for the first time, and older audiences, who have a nostalgic connection to it. This generational appeal is crucial for a film like A Wrinkle in Time, which aims to connect with both long-time fans of the book and newcomers to the story.
H3: Did Madeleine L’Engle, the author of A Wrinkle in Time, have any thoughts on the song choice (had she been alive)?
While we can’t know for sure, given L’Engle’s emphasis on critical thinking and questioning appearances in her writing, it’s reasonable to speculate that she would have appreciated the song’s layered meaning and its ability to add depth to the film’s themes. She often explored the dangers of blind faith and the importance of individual agency, ideas that are reflected in the song’s subversive lyrics.
H3: Could another song have been equally effective in the trailer?
While other songs might have created a similar sense of nostalgia or excitement, “Sweet Dreams” possessed a unique combination of factors that made it particularly well-suited for the trailer. Its ambiguous lyrics, underlying darkness, and generational appeal set it apart from other potential candidates.
H3: How does the song contrast with other music used in the film’s soundtrack?
The film’s official soundtrack features a diverse range of artists and styles, including original scores and contemporary pop songs. “Sweet Dreams” stands out as a deliberately jarring and thought-provoking choice, contrasting with the more uplifting and inspirational themes present in other parts of the soundtrack. This contrast reinforces the film’s exploration of both light and darkness.
H3: What does the song choice suggest about the overall tone of the movie adaptation?
The inclusion of “Sweet Dreams” suggests that the movie adaptation would not shy away from the darker and more complex themes present in the original novel. It signaled a willingness to explore the story’s psychological depth and the challenges that Meg Murry faces on her journey. This choice reassured fans of the book that the adaptation would be more than just a superficial retelling.
H3: Are there any other instances of popular music being used in trailers to subvert expectations?
Yes, the use of popular music in trailers to subvert expectations is a common technique in modern film marketing. Examples include the use of slow, melancholic versions of upbeat pop songs in horror trailers, or the use of classic rock anthems to create a sense of irony in comedic films. These choices are designed to challenge viewers’ assumptions and create a more memorable and impactful viewing experience. The use of “Sweet Dreams” in A Wrinkle in Time follows this trend, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to the film’s marketing campaign.